Reviving Ancient Chinese Mathematics

Mathematics, History and Politics in the Work of Wu Wen-Tsun

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, History, Asian, China, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies
Cover of the book Reviving Ancient Chinese Mathematics by Jiri Hudecek, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jiri Hudecek ISBN: 9781134468324
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 25, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Jiri Hudecek
ISBN: 9781134468324
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 25, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Twentieth-century China has been caught between a desire to increase its wealth and power in line with other advanced nations, which, by implication, means copying their institutions, practices and values, whilst simultaneously seeking to preserve China’s independence and historically formed identity. Over time, Chinese philosophers, writers, artists and politicians have all sought to reconcile these goals and this book shows how this search for a Chinese way penetrated even the most central, least contested area of modernity: science.

Reviving Ancient Chinese Mathematics is a study of the life of one of modern China’s most admired scientific figures, the mathematician Wu Wen-Tsun. Negotiating the conflict between progress and tradition, he found a path that not only ensured his political and personal survival, but which also brought him renown as a mathematician of international status who claimed that he stood outside the dominant western tradition of mathematics. Wu Wen-Tsun’s story highlights crucial developments and contradictions in twentieth -century China, the significance of which extends far beyond the field of mathematics. On one hand lies the appeal of radical scientific modernity, "mechanisation" in all its forms, and competitiveness within the international scientific community. On the other is an anxiety to preserve national traditions and make them part of the modernisation project. Moreover, Wu’s intellectual development also reflects the complex relationship between science and Maoist ideology, because his turn to history was powered by his internalisation of certain aspects of Maoist ideology, including its utilitarian philosophy of science.

This book traces how Wu managed to combine political success and international scientific eminence, a story that has wider implications for a new century of increasing Chinese activity in the sciences. As such, it will be of great interest to students and scholars of Chinese history, the history of science and the history and philosophy of mathematics.

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

Twentieth-century China has been caught between a desire to increase its wealth and power in line with other advanced nations, which, by implication, means copying their institutions, practices and values, whilst simultaneously seeking to preserve China’s independence and historically formed identity. Over time, Chinese philosophers, writers, artists and politicians have all sought to reconcile these goals and this book shows how this search for a Chinese way penetrated even the most central, least contested area of modernity: science.

Reviving Ancient Chinese Mathematics is a study of the life of one of modern China’s most admired scientific figures, the mathematician Wu Wen-Tsun. Negotiating the conflict between progress and tradition, he found a path that not only ensured his political and personal survival, but which also brought him renown as a mathematician of international status who claimed that he stood outside the dominant western tradition of mathematics. Wu Wen-Tsun’s story highlights crucial developments and contradictions in twentieth -century China, the significance of which extends far beyond the field of mathematics. On one hand lies the appeal of radical scientific modernity, "mechanisation" in all its forms, and competitiveness within the international scientific community. On the other is an anxiety to preserve national traditions and make them part of the modernisation project. Moreover, Wu’s intellectual development also reflects the complex relationship between science and Maoist ideology, because his turn to history was powered by his internalisation of certain aspects of Maoist ideology, including its utilitarian philosophy of science.

This book traces how Wu managed to combine political success and international scientific eminence, a story that has wider implications for a new century of increasing Chinese activity in the sciences. As such, it will be of great interest to students and scholars of Chinese history, the history of science and the history and philosophy of mathematics.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Economics of Betting Markets by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Class and Religion in the Late Victorian City by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Crisis and Terror in the Horn of Africa by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Why Noise Matters by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Essays in Twentieth-Century Southern Education by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Education, Modern Development, and Indigenous Knowledge by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Hierarchy by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Gutteridge and Megrah's Law of Bankers' Commercial Credits by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book The Prehistoric Settlement of Britain by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Integrative Processes and Socialization by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Community Development and Public Administration Theory by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book The French at War, 1934-1944 by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Modern Brazilian Portuguese Grammar by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Communicating Development with Communities by Jiri Hudecek
Cover of the book Classification Manual for Voice Disorders-I by Jiri Hudecek
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