History of mathematics for mathmos 6

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• Piers Bursill-Hall
• Friday 31 October 2025, 16:00-17:30
• Lecture Block, Room 12, Sidgwick Site.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact pks50.

This talk is part of a lecture course. Wait, don’t go! We are very chill: no syllabus, no exams, and quality banter. The aim is to give a fairly relaxed overview of the history of Western mathematical ideas, from Greece via Islam into the Enlightenment, with the potential to cover aspects of the late 18th and the 19th century towards the end.

The course presumes no particular or strong mathematical background (it is presupposed that most of the students are mathmos or equivalent, but if you are a sociologist, you can surely emulate mathmo behaviour). The focus is more about mathematical ideas and styles, and the historical influences on, and influences of mathematics on its contemporary world. Knowledge of history is also not expected, but we cannot guarantee that you will not obtain some. A good sense of humour is required.

This year we are not allowed to give the lectures at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences. The lectures therefore take place in the Lecture Block, Room 12. We are very grateful that the University through these rooms supports the teaching of the history of mathematics.

Today’s topic: Development of proof techniques from 450BC, squaring the circle, and how pi was NOT discovered.

This talk is part of the History of mathematics and science series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• History of mathematics and science
• Lecture Block, Room 12, Sidgwick Site
• Martin's interesting talks

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