Mathematics Elsewhere
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A01=Marcia Ascher
Abstract algebra
Accuracy and precision
Addition
Arabic script
Archaeoastronomy
Arthur H. Robinson
Astragalomancy
Author_Marcia Ascher
Backtracking
Book
British Library
C13
C14
C15
Calculation
Calendar call
Category=PB
Chinese remainder theorem
Clifford Geertz
Commutative property
Computer scientist
Coral Gardens and Their Magic
Counting
Cycles of Time
Deity
Diagram
Divination
Dover Publications
English alphabet
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
Equal opportunity
Eshu
Ethnomathematics
Formal learning
Formality
Fosterage
Geomancy
Geometry
Gregorian calendar
Hebrew calendar
Household
Illustration
Indology
J. Eric S. Thompson
Kislev
Kolam
L-system
Leap year
Mathematician
Mathematics
Mathematics education
Mercator projection
Modular arithmetic
Name of the Father
Number theory
Occam's razor
On Writing
One Unit
People of the Book
Pure mathematics
Quipu
Result
Robert Jaulin
Rotational symmetry
Scripta Mathematica
Solar cycle
Srinivasa Ramanujan
State formation
Tamil Nadu
Terminology
Traditional story
Writing
Year
Product details
- ISBN 9780691120225
- Weight: 312g
- Dimensions: 152 x 235mm
- Publication Date: 07 Nov 2004
- Publisher: Princeton University Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Paperback
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Mathematics Elsewhere is a fascinating and important contribution to a global view of mathematics. Presenting mathematical ideas of peoples from a variety of small-scale and traditional cultures, it humanizes our view of mathematics and expands our conception of what is mathematical. Through engaging examples of how particular societies structure time, reach decisions about the future, make models and maps, systematize relationships, and create intriguing figures, Marcia Ascher demonstrates that traditional cultures have mathematical ideas that are far more substantial and sophisticated than is generally acknowledged. Malagasy divination rituals, for example, rely on complex algebraic algorithms. And some cultures use calendars far more abstract and elegant than our own. Ascher also shows that certain concepts assumed to be universal--that time is a single progression, for instance, or that equality is a static relationship--are not. The Basque notion of equivalence, for example, is a dynamic and temporal one not adequately captured by the familiar equal sign.
Other ideas taken to be the exclusive province of professionally trained Western mathematicians are, in fact, shared by people in many societies. The ideas discussed come from geographically varied cultures, including the Borana and Malagasy of Africa, the Tongans and Marshall Islanders of Oceania, the Tamil of South India, the Basques of Western Europe, and the Balinese and Kodi of Indonesia. This book belongs on the shelves of mathematicians, math students, and math educators, and in the hands of anyone interested in traditional societies or how people think. Illustrating how mathematical ideas play a vital role in diverse human endeavors from navigation to social interaction to religion, it offers--through the vehicle of mathematics--unique cultural encounters to any reader.
Marcia Ascher is Professor Emerita of Mathematics at Ithaca College. She is the coauthor of "Code of the Quipu: A Study in Media, Mathematics, and Culture" and the author of "Ethnomathematics: A Multicultural View of Mathematical Ideas".
