History of Mathematics 1

A.Y. 2020/2021
6
Max ECTS
42
Overall hours
SSD
MAT/04
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
Analysis of some fundamental moments in the path of history of mathematics.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire adequate methods, both technical and critical, that will enable them to get more familiar with some fundamental masterpieces of the history of mathematics.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
The actual teaching methods will depend upon the evolution of the health emergency
Course syllabus
The course will focus upon the main stages of the development of infinitesimal calculus from its origins to the first half of the 18th century.
1) The language of the theory of proportions
2) Quadratures in the works of Archimedes and his method.
3) The structure of the continuum in Greek mathematics
4) The evolution of calculus among the Arabs and in the Western Middle Ages. The kinematics of Merton College. Nicholas of Oresme. Statics and the concepts of calculus: Commandino, Maurolico and Valerio
5) Origin of logarithms: Napier
6) The method of indivisibles: Kepler, Gregorio di San Vincenzo, Cavalieri, Galilei, Torricelli.
7) The problem of tangent lines
8) The Newton-Leibniz controversy
9) Early successes of infinitesimal calculus
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of standard calculus
Teaching methods
Standard lessons
Teaching Resources
Notes provided by the teacher
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination
MAT/04 - MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AND HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor: Rosso Riccardo
Professor(s)