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The best geometry textbook hasn't changed for more than 2000 years. Mathematics textbooks are just as likely as anything else to suffer from modern pedagogical
by inimino 8y ago
The best geometry textbook hasn't changed for more than 2000 years.
Mathematics textbooks are just as likely as anything else to suffer from modern pedagogical theories that have not been tested by time and will come to be regarded as mistakes.
- buckthundaz 8y agoDo you have a recommendation for best geometry textbook?
- deleted 8y ago[deleted]
- kd5bjo 8y agoI suspect 'inimino is referring to Euclid's "Elements" http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21076/21076-h/21076-h.htm http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21076/21076-h/21076-h.htm
- inimino 8y agoIndeed. Not only do you learn geometry, but you participate in the same understanding of geometry that all later mathematicians started from. I've always encouraged reading Euclid, Newton, Einstein. In my humble opinion, mathematics is much easier to understand historically, as it developed, and the best historical perspective comes from primary sources. I must acknowledge, however, that for whatever reason very few people share my perspective on this.
- Koshkin 8y agoIt is indeed a widely held opinion that most (but not all, of course) original works are not the best sources to learn from. Over time ideas become clearer, better explanations arise, etc. Professional educators and instructors are important, too.
- buckthundaz 8y agoThis is great, thank you so much!
- buckthundaz 8y agoMany thanks!
- Koshkin 8y agoThe textbook has not changed, geometry did. The modern notion of geometry encompasses so much more that it is hard to describe in a few words.
- coldtea 8y agoProfessors in universities don't consider Euclid's textbook the "best" currently available text in geometry or use it on 101 geometry (except as a historical appreciation/reference). It's the one with the most historical importance, but it hardly covers modern geometry.
- inimino 8y agoOf course I'm aware of that, but it would be a shame if most people's first exposure to geometry was in university! I would argue that the fact that it does not cover modern geometry is exactly what makes it valuable. Learning is best as a process of rediscovery.