This book traces the first faltering steps taken in the mathematical theorisation of infinity which marks the emergence of modern mathematics. It analyses the part played by Indian mathematicians through the Kerala conduit, which is an important but neglected part of the history of mathematics.
Passage to Infinity: Medieval Indian Mathematics from Kerala and its Impact begins with an examination of the social origins of the Kerala School and proceeds to discuss its mathematical genesis as well as its achievements. It presents the techniques employed by the School to derive the series expansions for sine, cosine, arctan, and so on. By using modern notation but remaining close to the methods in the original sources, it enables the reader with some knowledge of trigonometry and elementary algebra to follow the derivations. While delving into the nature of the socio-economic processes that led to the development of scientific knowledge in pre-modern India, the book also probes the validity or otherwise of the conjecture of the transmission of Kerala mathematics to Europe through the Jesuit channel.
The book straddles two domains: science and social sciences. It will appeal to those interested in mathematics, statistics, medieval history, history of science and technology, links between mathematics and culture and the nature of movements of ideas across cultures.
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This book traces the first faltering steps taken in the mathematical theorization of infinity which marks the emergence of modern mathematics. It analyzes the part played by Indian mathematics through the Kerala conduit, which is an important but neglected part of the history of mathematics.
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Introduction
The Social Origins of the Kerala School
The Mathematical Origins of the Kerala School
The Highlights of Kerala Mathematics and Astronomy
Indian Trigonometry: From Ancient Beginnings to Nilakantha
Squaring the Circle: The Kerala Answer
Reaching for the Stars: The Power Series for Sines and Cosines
Changing Perspectives on Indian Mathematics
Exploring Transmissions: A Case Study of Kerala Mathematics to Europe
A Final Assessment
Bibliography
Index
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The book traces the path and mode of transmission of knowledge from Kerala to Europe. The book also examines the mathematical genesis of the Kerala School and the Aryabhata School...the book will be of interest to those researchers who are working in the area of history of mathematics. Elementary knowledge of mathematics is adequate to enjoy reading this book.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9788132101680
Publisert
2009-11-11
Utgiver
Vendor
SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd
Vekt
390 gr
Høyde
215 mm
Bredde
139 mm
Aldersnivå
UP, P, 05, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
323
Forfatter