Mathematics in History, Culture, Philosophy and Science (From Ancient Times to Modern Age)

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

About the Author Dr. Sarju Tiwari (b. 1934) obtained his B.Sc. degree from B.H.U. in 1956 and M.A. (Mathematics) from the same University in First Class. He was awarded Ph.D. (Pure Mathematics) from Calcutta University (1971). He started his professional career as Lecturer in Mathematics, Govt. of Tripura, Agartala (1958-65), where he was serving as Reader in Mathematics, Govt. of Tripura, Agartala (1971- 80). Thereafter he joined as Principal, Postgraduate College, Ghazipur, U.P. (1980-88). Currently he is serving as Secretary, Faculty Council for Postgraduate Studies, Tripura University, Agartala, since 1989. He is the member of several Academic bodies such as Life- member and Founder General Secretary, Tripura Mathematical Society, Agartala; Vice-President, Tripura Mathematical Society, Agartala; Life-member/Treasurer, Tripura Rabindra Parishad, Agartala and Life-member, Sanskriti Parishad/Samkaleen Soach, Ghazipur, U.P.

Preface Mathematics occupies a paradoxical position in our society. It is universally revered and everyone recognises its utility. But, hardly a few other than its cultivators concede it as inviting and attractive. The general educated elite continue to remain frightened by its dry skeleton shown to them in their childhood. It is often perceived as an arbitrary collection of abstract and unrelated formulac having little or no bearing on real life situations. This calls for remedial measures. The present book is an attempt in that direction. It aims to project the ever growing structure of living mathematics by covering its technical bones with cultural flesh, blood and skin in order to give it an enticing and charming look. It endeavours to highlight the emergence of different mathematical concepts as by-products of socio-cultural developments shaping in turn the destiny of future generations. The prevailing fear-complex is thus expected to be replaced by thrilling socio-mathematical interactions.

The book aspires to project the study of mathematics in its historical, philosophical, linguistic, sociological, cultural and scientific perspectives. It tries to fill in the gaps of mathematical curricula by introducing cultural linkages between different notions and concepts in order to weave a multicoloured fabric of useful ideas. Significant developments in cosmology, astronomy, pure physics, space research and astrophysics have been incorporated as additional glittering threads. A popular and pleasant view of useful mathematics as a pure creation of mind inducing social development, rational outlook, scientific temper and discerning insight is thus projected. The impact of such studies in blasting various superstitions standing in the way of social progress on rational lines has also been discussed in the sequel.

Foreword Mathematics in some form or other has been in use since the early age of human civilization. But its use in today's world has assumed great importance, since without its application higher technology cannot be mastered and harnessed for increasing production of goods and services and promoting human welfare. Technology generally follows the advancement of science which is also vi- tally dependent on the use of mathematics. Over the centuries there has been spectacular progress in the development of mathematics as a branch of knowledge. And without the application of mathematics on a wide scale no country can march forward in line with the general progress of human knowledge and thought. Therefore learning of mathematics and furthering the horizon of knowledge by advanced researches in mathematics can hardly be overemphasized.

Unfortunately in our country we are still far behind many advanced countries in popularizing mathematics among the students and others. Positive actions are called for to free the students from their fear of the subject. Learning of mathematics needs to be made an enlivening experience. With imagination and creative thinking it should be possible to popularize learning of mathematics. For, mathematics is indeed an essential element of our life and culture. This is what has been highlighted by Dr. Sarju Tiwari in his present book, by citing many examples in their historical perspective. He has brought out the mathematical content and significance of many human activities which are generally missed even by educated persons.

The author has been a teacher of mathematics both at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels for a long time. He is very familiar with the students' sensibilities as well as inadequacies of the method of teaching mathematics as adopted by many teachers. In this book he has tried to remove the lurking fear in the minds of many students and others about mathematics by pointing out how mathematics is being used knowingly or unknowingly by all of us in our everyday life. It is a refreshingly new approach to popularizing mathematics as a subject of study and practice. Dr. Tiwari has also aptly highlighted India's valuable contributions to the development of mathemical ideas and concepts right from the Vedic Age. He has even included one chapter on the life and works of Srinivasa Ramanujan, 'the greatest mathematical genius of modern India.' These facts should inspire confidence in the minds of all concerned that India has the potential for making further contributions to the development of mathematical concepts and tools.