Freedom In Mathematics
by Cédric Villani /
2016 / English / PDF
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This book challenges the views put forward by Pierre Cartier, one
of the anchors of the famous Bourbaki group, and Cédric Villani,
one of the most brilliant mathematicians of his generation, who
received the Fields Medal in 2010. Jean Dhombres, mathematician
and science historian, and Gerhard Heinzmann, philosopher of
science and also a specialist in mathematics engage in a fruitful
dialogue with the two mathematicians, prompting readers to
reflect on mathematical activity and its social consequences in
history as well as in the modern world. Cédric Villani’s popular
success proves once again that a common awareness has developed,
albeit in a very confused way, of the major role of mathematics
in the construction and efficiency of natural sciences,
which are at the origin of our technologies. Despite this, the
idea that mathematics cannot be shared remains firmly entrenched,
a perceived failing that has even been branded a lack of culture
by vocal forces in the media as well as cultural and political
establishment.
This book challenges the views put forward by Pierre Cartier, one
of the anchors of the famous Bourbaki group, and Cédric Villani,
one of the most brilliant mathematicians of his generation, who
received the Fields Medal in 2010. Jean Dhombres, mathematician
and science historian, and Gerhard Heinzmann, philosopher of
science and also a specialist in mathematics engage in a fruitful
dialogue with the two mathematicians, prompting readers to
reflect on mathematical activity and its social consequences in
history as well as in the modern world. Cédric Villani’s popular
success proves once again that a common awareness has developed,
albeit in a very confused way, of the major role of mathematics
in the construction and efficiency of natural sciences,
which are at the origin of our technologies. Despite this, the
idea that mathematics cannot be shared remains firmly entrenched,
a perceived failing that has even been branded a lack of culture
by vocal forces in the media as well as cultural and political
establishment.
The authors explore three major directions in their dialogue: the
highly complex relationship between mathematics and reality, the
subject of many debates and opposing viewpoints; the freedom that
the construction of mathematics has given humankind by enabling
them to develop the natural sciences as well as mathematical
research; and the responsibility with which the scientific
community and governments should address the role of mathematics
in research and education policies.
The authors explore three major directions in their dialogue: the
highly complex relationship between mathematics and reality, the
subject of many debates and opposing viewpoints; the freedom that
the construction of mathematics has given humankind by enabling
them to develop the natural sciences as well as mathematical
research; and the responsibility with which the scientific
community and governments should address the role of mathematics
in research and education policies.