HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS

Academic Year 2021-2022

Teachers

Paolo Bussotti

Unit Credits

Teaching Period

First Period

Course Type

Supplementary

Prerequisites. No particular pre-requisite is necessary

Teaching Methods. Basically frontal lectures. On some subjects, as the concept of demonstration, guided discussions with the students will be developed.

Verification of Learning. Oral examination.

More Information. 1) The presence is not compulsory, but strongly recommended.

2) I am available to offer my lectures in English.

Objectives

The students have to recognize the most important conceptual elements in the historical development of mathematics.

History of geometry: from the classical Greek period (Euclid, Archimedes, Apollonius) to the rebirth of geometry in Europe starting from the 17th century. A particular care will be dedicated to the history of projective geometry.

History of mathematical analysis: from Archimedes’ demonstrations “for exhaustion” to the rigorization of analysis in the 19th century.

History of algebra: from the solution of the third degree equation in the 16th century to the birth of the concept of abstract group. Abel’s proof concerning the impossibility to solve the algebraic equations of 5th degree by radicals will be analysed.

Texts

There is no specific reference text. My slides will be the essential material for the final proof. Some specific reading will be suggested during the lectures.

Academic Year 2021-2022