A History of Folding in Mathematics

Mathematizing the Margins

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, History, Science, Other Sciences
Cover of the book A History of Folding in Mathematics by Michael Friedman, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Friedman ISBN: 9783319724874
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: May 25, 2018
Imprint: Birkhäuser Language: English
Author: Michael Friedman
ISBN: 9783319724874
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: May 25, 2018
Imprint: Birkhäuser
Language: English

While it is well known that the Delian problems are impossible to solve with a straightedge and compass – for example, it is impossible to construct a segment whose length is cube root of 2 with these instruments – the discovery of the Italian mathematician Margherita Beloch Piazzolla in 1934 that one can in fact construct a segment of length cube root of 2 with a single paper fold was completely ignored (till the end of the 1980s). This comes as no surprise, since with few exceptions paper folding was seldom considered as a mathematical practice, let alone as a mathematical procedure of inference or proof that could prompt novel mathematical discoveries. A few questions immediately arise: Why did paper folding become a non-instrument? What caused the marginalisation of this technique? And how was the mathematical knowledge, which was nevertheless transmitted and prompted by paper folding, later treated and conceptualised?

Aiming to answer these questions, this volume provides, for the first time, an extensive historical study on the history of folding in mathematics, spanning from the 16th century to the 20th century, and offers a general study on the ways mathematical knowledge is marginalised, disappears, is ignored or becomes obsolete.

In doing so, it makes a valuable contribution to the field of history and philosophy of science, particularly the history and philosophy of mathematics and is highly recommended for anyone interested in these topics.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

While it is well known that the Delian problems are impossible to solve with a straightedge and compass – for example, it is impossible to construct a segment whose length is cube root of 2 with these instruments – the discovery of the Italian mathematician Margherita Beloch Piazzolla in 1934 that one can in fact construct a segment of length cube root of 2 with a single paper fold was completely ignored (till the end of the 1980s). This comes as no surprise, since with few exceptions paper folding was seldom considered as a mathematical practice, let alone as a mathematical procedure of inference or proof that could prompt novel mathematical discoveries. A few questions immediately arise: Why did paper folding become a non-instrument? What caused the marginalisation of this technique? And how was the mathematical knowledge, which was nevertheless transmitted and prompted by paper folding, later treated and conceptualised?

Aiming to answer these questions, this volume provides, for the first time, an extensive historical study on the history of folding in mathematics, spanning from the 16th century to the 20th century, and offers a general study on the ways mathematical knowledge is marginalised, disappears, is ignored or becomes obsolete.

In doing so, it makes a valuable contribution to the field of history and philosophy of science, particularly the history and philosophy of mathematics and is highly recommended for anyone interested in these topics.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Nordic Girlhoods by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Modeling and Evaluating Denial of Service Attacks for Wireless and Mobile Applications by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Biodiversity for Sustainable Development by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Deciphering Chemical Language of Plant Communication by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Societies in Transition by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Multimodal Pragmatics and Translation by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Physical Principles of Electron Microscopy by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Mathematics and the Mind by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Representing Scientific Knowledge by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Chikungunya Virus by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Internationalisation in Vietnamese Higher Education by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Closing Human Evolution: Life in the Ultimate Age by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Radioactivity and Radiation by Michael Friedman
Cover of the book Mind and Matter by Michael Friedman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy