Hermann Günther Graßmann (1809-1877): Visionary Mathematician, Scientist and Neohumanist Scholar


Book Description

In this volume specialists in mathematics, physics, and linguistics present the first comprehensive analysis of the ideas and influence of Hermann G. Graßmann (1809-1877), the remarkable universalist whose work recast the foundations of these disciplines and shaped the course of their modern development.




The Teaching and Learning of Mathematics at University Level


Book Description

This is a text that contains the latest in thinking and the best in practice. It provides a state-of-the-art statement on tertiary teaching from a multi-perspective standpoint. No previous book has attempted to take such a wide view of the topic. The book will be of special interest to academic mathematicians, mathematics educators, and educational researchers. It arose from the ICMI Study into the teaching and learning of mathematics at university level (initiated at the conference in Singapore, 1998).




Duality in 19th and 20th Century Mathematical Thinking


Book Description

This volume brings together scholars across various domains of the history and philosophy of mathematics, investigating duality as a multi-faceted phenomenon. Encompassing both systematic analysis and historical examination, the book endeavors to elucidate the status, roles, and dynamics of duality within the realms of 19th and 20th-century mathematics. Eschewing a priori notions, the contributors embrace the diverse interpretations and manifestations of duality, thus presenting a nuanced and comprehensive perspective on this intricate subject. Spanning a broad spectrum of mathematical topics and historical periods, the book uses detailed case studies to investigate the different forms in which duality appeared and still appears in mathematics, to study their respective histories, and to analyze interactions between the different forms of duality. The chapters inquire into questions such as the contextual occurrences of duality in mathematics, the influence of chosen forms of representation, the impact of investigations of duality on mathematical practices, and the historical interconnections among various instances of duality. Together, they aim to answer a core question: Is there such a thing as duality in mathematics, or are there just several things called by the same name and similar in some respect? What emerges is that duality can be considered as a basic structure of mathematical thinking, thereby opening new horizons for the research on the history and the philosophy of mathematics and the reflection on mathematics in general. The volume will appeal not only to experts in the discipline but also to advanced students of mathematics, history, and philosophy intrigued by the complexities of this captivating subject matter.




Handbook of Whiteheadian Process Thought


Book Description

Gathering 115 entries written by 101 internationally renowned experts in their fields, the Handbook of Whiteheadian Process Thought aims at canvassing the current state of knowledge in Whiteheadian scholarship and at identifying promising directions for future investigations through (internal) cross-elucidation and (external) interdisciplinary development. Two kinds of entries are weaved together in order to interpret Whitehead secundum Whitehead and to read him from the vantage point of interdisciplinary and crossdisciplinary research. The “thematic ” entries provide (i) a broad contextualisation of the issue at stake; (ii) a focus on Whitehead's treatment (if any) or of a possible Whiteheadian treatment of the issue; (iii) a history of relevant scholarship; (iv) a personal assessment by the Author. The “biographical ” entries provide (i) a brief vita of the targeted thinker; (ii) a sketch of his/her categories relevant to the Whiteheadian scholarship; (iii) a personal assessment of the actual (or possible) Whiteheadian semantic transfer to or from the thinker.




Exterior Algebras


Book Description

Exterior Algebras: Elementary Tribute to Grassmann's Ideas provides the theoretical basis for exterior computations. It first addresses the important question of constructing (pseudo)-Euclidian Grassmmann's algebras. Then, it shows how the latter can be used to treat a few basic, though significant, questions of linear algebra, such as co-linearity, determinant calculus, linear systems analyzing, volumes computations, invariant endomorphism considerations, skew-symmetric operator studies and decompositions, and Hodge conjugation, amongst others. - Presents a self-contained guide that does not require any specific algebraic background - Includes numerous examples and direct applications that are suited for beginners




Algebraic Combinatorics and Computer Science


Book Description

This book, dedicated to the memory of Gian-Carlo Rota, is the result of a collaborative effort by his friends, students and admirers. Rota was one of the great thinkers of our times, innovator in both mathematics and phenomenology. I feel moved, yet touched by a sense of sadness, in presenting this volume of work, despite the fear that I may be unworthy of the task that befalls me. Rota, both the scientist and the man, was marked by a generosity that knew no bounds. His ideas opened wide the horizons of fields of research, permitting an astonishing number of students from all over the globe to become enthusiastically involved. The contagious energy with which he demonstrated his tremendous mental capacity always proved fresh and inspiring. Beyond his renown as gifted scientist, what was particularly striking in Gian-Carlo Rota was his ability to appreciate the diverse intellectual capacities of those before him and to adapt his communications accordingly. This human sense, complemented by his acute appreciation of the importance of the individual, acted as a catalyst in bringing forth the very best in each one of his students. Whosoever was fortunate enough to enjoy Gian-Carlo Rota's longstanding friendship was most enriched by the experience, both mathematically and philosophically, and had occasion to appreciate son cote de bon vivant. The book opens with a heartfelt piece by Henry Crapo in which he meticulously pieces together what Gian-Carlo Rota's untimely demise has bequeathed to science.




Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics


Book Description

The first edition of ELL (1993, Ron Asher, Editor) was hailed as "the field's standard reference work for a generation". Now the all-new second edition matches ELL's comprehensiveness and high quality, expanded for a new generation, while being the first encyclopedia to really exploit the multimedia potential of linguistics. * The most authoritative, up-to-date, comprehensive, and international reference source in its field * An entirely new work, with new editors, new authors, new topics and newly commissioned articles with a handful of classic articles * The first Encyclopedia to exploit the multimedia potential of linguistics through the online edition * Ground-breaking and International in scope and approach * Alphabetically arranged with extensive cross-referencing * Available in print and online, priced separately. The online version will include updates as subjects develop ELL2 includes: * c. 7,500,000 words * c. 11,000 pages * c. 3,000 articles * c. 1,500 figures: 130 halftones and 150 colour * Supplementary audio, video and text files online * c. 3,500 glossary definitions * c. 39,000 references * Extensive list of commonly used abbreviations * List of languages of the world (including information on no. of speakers, language family, etc.) * Approximately 700 biographical entries (now includes contemporary linguists) * 200 language maps in print and online Also available online via ScienceDirect – featuring extensive browsing, searching, and internal cross-referencing between articles in the work, plus dynamic linking to journal articles and abstract databases, making navigation flexible and easy. For more information, pricing options and availability visit www.info.sciencedirect.com. The first Encyclopedia to exploit the multimedia potential of linguistics Ground-breaking in scope - wider than any predecessor An invaluable resource for researchers, academics, students and professionals in the fields of: linguistics, anthropology, education, psychology, language acquisition, language pathology, cognitive science, sociology, the law, the media, medicine & computer science. The most authoritative, up-to-date, comprehensive, and international reference source in its field




Geometric Calculus


Book Description

Calcolo Geometrico, G. Peano's first publication in mathematical logic, is a model of expository writing, with a significant impact on 20th century mathematics. Kannenberg's lucid and crisp translation, Geometric Calculus, will appeal to historians of mathematics, researchers, graduate students, and general readers interested in the foundations of mathematics and the development of a formal logical language. The book has never been reprinted in its entirety, and only two chapters have ever been translated into English. Readers of this valuable translation will gain insight into the work of a distinguished mathematician and founder of mathematical logic.




The Teaching and Learning of Mathematics at University Level


Book Description

This is a text that contains the latest in thinking and the best in practice. It provides a state-of-the-art statement on tertiary teaching from a multi-perspective standpoint. No previous book has attempted to take such a wide view of the topic. The book will be of special interest to academic mathematicians, mathematics educators, and educational researchers. It arose from the ICMI Study into the teaching and learning of mathematics at university level (initiated at the conference in Singapore, 1998).




The Philosophers and Mathematics


Book Description

This book explores the unique relationship between two different approaches to understand the nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. It collects essays that examine the distinctive historical relationship between mathematics and philosophy. Readers learn what key philosophers throughout the ages thought about mathematics. This includes both thinkers who recognized the relevance of mathematics to their own work as well as those who chose to completely ignore its many achievements. The essays offer insight into the role that mathematics played in the formation of each included philosopher’s doctrine as well as the impact its remarkable expansion had on the philosophical systems each erected. Conversely, the authors also highlight the ways that philosophy contributed to the growth and transformation of mathematics. Throughout, significant historical examples help to illustrate these points in a vivid way. Mathematics has often been a favored interlocutor of philosophers and a major source of inspiration. This book is the outcome of an international conference held in honor of Roshdi Rashed, a renowned historian of mathematics. It provides researchers, students, and interested readers with remarkable insights into the history of an important relationship throughout the ages.