Sunday, January 26, 2014

The Frontiers of Space

BBC Story of Maths part 3                                                                                                          The Frontiers of Space


            In the 17th century, Europe replaced Middle East as the engine house of mathematical ideas. Europe became the powerhouse of mathematics of objects in motion. Marc de Sautoy started with introducing the concept of perspective through the mathematician and artist, Piero della Francesa's, work.

            The movie then proceeds to other big names in mathematics like; Descartes, who merged the ideas of geometry and algebra; Pierre de Fermat, who virtually invented modern number theories, was Descartes rival; Isaac Newton who was known more for his physics contribution and not for his mathematical ideas; Gottfried Leibniz who discovered calculus shortly after Newton; the Bernoulli family who were defined as Leibniz’ disciples; Leonardo Euler who de Sautoy marked as the “Mozart of Maths”; Friedrich Gauss who invented the imaginary numbers; and a lot more.

            The third installment of the story of maths was interesting to watch. I did not know there were controversies or dramas during the process of math’s discoveries. Newton and Leibniz did not want to share the credit in discovering calculus hence some misunderstandings. And here comes the Bernoulli family who were Leibniz’ number one supporters. They were on Leibniz’ side and spread his ideas (lol fanboys). Later on, Lebiniz’ ideas triumphed because Newton’s approach was more complicated.


            I find it interesting that these great mathematicians all had difficult childhoods and yet, they have the greatest contributions in the mathematical world. Nothing stopped them in doing what they wanted and for that, I truly admire them. Their passion is truly amazing. Not only did they contribute a lot to the modern world, but they also serve as a great inspiration to everyone, especially to us, students. 

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