Week 3 - "Tracing Mathematics Throughout History" - Blog 2!

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Hello and welcome back, everybody! 


In the third week of the EDUC-4P75 Ethnomathematics course, we viewed and discussed a documentary called, “The History of Mathematics”, which can be found below, focusing on the history in three distinct locations Egypt (1:20), Greece (35:21), and Mesopotamia (19:30). Stepping into the historical landscape of these locations through the lens of mathematics was revolutionary and expanded my understanding of the interwoven relationship between mathematics, culture, and everyday life. These civilizations, though distinct, laid the foundations of mathematical thought that continue to resonate through time to this day.  Each of the three locations will further be discussed in this blog, regarding their historical significance.


The close relationship between mathematics and societal demands became evident in our investigation of Egypt's mathematical heritage. The intricate ties between the flooding of the Nile, land management, and religious practices showcased the pivotal role mathematics played in shaping not just practical affairs but also spiritual beliefs. The Egyptians ingeniously used their bodies as a metric system, a vivid illustration of how cultural practices directly influenced their mathematical innovations. However, the limitations of their numeral system highlighted the significance of adapting and evolving mathematical concepts over time. The image below showcases the different numerical system of Egypt.

Mesopotamia's contributions to mathematics amazed me with their practical yet sophisticated methods. The mastery of numbers for administrative purposes and the manipulation of geometric work on clay tablets showcased their mathematical prowess. Their proficiency with mathematics was demonstrated by their adoption of a base-60 system and their understanding of place value. The revelation of their early understanding of geometric principles, including the Pythagorean theorem, challenged established historical timelines and hinted at the depth of their mathematical knowledge. An image of their numerical system can be found below.


Greece ushered in a paradigm shift in mathematical thought through the emphasis on deductive reasoning and proof. Exploring the legacy of Pythagoras and the recognition of irrational numbers highlighted the Greeks' pursuit of abstraction and conceptual understanding. I found that the fundamental relationship between mathematics and music, paving the way for discoveries like the Pythagorean theorem (seen below), was particularly fascinating.


Throughout these explorations, the videos emphasized the broad characteristics of mathematics in shaping our world. The everyday aspects of life, such as timekeeping, calendars, and land measurement for taxation, were deeply rooted in mathematical principles. My emotional spectrum while watching this video ranged from awe at the ingenuity of ancient minds to contemplation about the evolution of mathematical concepts over time.


Despite similar fundamental principles, each civilization's unique needs and cultural practices shaped their mathematical systems and problem-solving approaches. This insight ignites a desire to foster a more culturally inclusive approach to teaching mathematics, recognizing and celebrating diverse perspectives. As a future educator, it is important for me to understand the history of these concepts. It inspires an exploration of pedagogical methods that embrace diversity and adaptability, fostering a deeper appreciation for mathematics across cultures. Embracing and sharing these historical narratives can enrich mathematical education, encouraging students to see mathematics not as a standalone subject but as a living, evolving with human existence.


Remember, the threads of history, culture, and mathematics intertwine in ways that shape our world, offering endless avenues for discovery and understanding.


Warm regards, 


Dylan Gosse



References

The History of Mathematics. (2023). YouTube. Retrieved 2023, from https://youtu.be/2WcbPcGrQZU?             si=Rv9IiZvL8FsbLnEPutu.be%2F2WcbPcGrQZU%3Fsi. 

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