3 ms·

Let's say for the sake of argument Euclid owned a slave. Does that invalidate any of the derivation of geometric proofs from the 5 postulates in Euclid's elemen

Let's say for the sake of argument Euclid owned a slave. Does that invalidate any of the derivation of geometric proofs from the 5 postulates in Euclid's elements? No. Ok. Does inserting an acknowledgement that Euclid owned a slave just before the QED of each proof provide any helpful or useful context for geometry? No. Ok. Are we better off if everyone tacitly moves away from ever learning or touching classical geometry in order to not have the connotation of "slaver maths" following them around? No. You seem to have missed the core idea of math and science, and confused it with one of those other human endeavors subject to being in and out of political favor. So allow me to clarify. Science and math, above all else, is an ideological commitment to the premise that truth does not derive from authority. The validity of Euclid's elements does not derive from Euclid carrying a certain clout in a mathematical establishment of prestige. Relativity did not supplant Newtonian physics because Albert reached a certain level of control within the ranks of the Royal Society. Pointing out the views and beliefs of scientists and mathematicians which have since fallen out of favor maybe detracts from their respectability, but their work wasn't built on the authority of their institutional respectability in the first place.

n4r9 4y ago
The goal of this part of the guidelines is not about invalidating anything in the body or content of mathematics, but rather adding inclusiveness to the teaching of mathematics. I can appreciate the idea that this could broaden the reach and appeal of mathematics education. I can well imagine that a student with an ethnic minority background is put off from taking a course that appears to have been developed and passed down from people who look a lot like (and in some cases were) the people that oppressed his own family. Reacting by dismissing this feeling and saying "you shouldn't care about that, maths is just cold logic and rationality" will only put them off further. But showing sensitivity to the context and saying "we acknowledge that some of the figures in the history of this subject are problematic, nevertheless the knowledge they discovered is useful" may make them reconsider. Will it actually work out that way? I don't know for sure, but I don't dismiss it as quickly as many people here seem to.
joxel 4y ago
I mean I think it helps put things in context. It sort of feels like you’re lied to if you’re told all the good things about Euler and can grow up idolizing him and not know that IRL he was a piece of shit.
- pif 4y ago
  Only an idiot could think he knows everything about Euler as a person, just because he heard his name in a geometry class.
  - joxel 4y ago
    Sure, but wouldn't you assume someone isn't a piece of shit unless told otherwise? Just saying, a disclaimer isn't a bad thing.
  - IIAOPSW 4y ago
    I love how my example was actually Euclid, but everyone's just writing Euler now.
baidifnaoxi 4y ago
This is an incredible definition: > So allow me to clarify. Science and math, above all else, is an ideological commitment to the premise that truth does not derive from authority.

n4r9 4y ago

The goal of this part of the guidelines is not about invalidating anything in the body or content of mathematics, but rather adding inclusiveness to the teaching of mathematics. I can appreciate the idea that this could broaden the reach and appeal of mathematics education. I can well imagine that a student with an ethnic minority background is put off from taking a course that appears to have been developed and passed down from people who look a lot like (and in some cases were) the people that oppressed his own family. Reacting by dismissing this feeling and saying "you shouldn't care about that, maths is just cold logic and rationality" will only put them off further. But showing sensitivity to the context and saying "we acknowledge that some of the figures in the history of this subject are problematic, nevertheless the knowledge they discovered is useful" may make them reconsider. Will it actually work out that way? I don't know for sure, but I don't dismiss it as quickly as many people here seem to.

joxel 4y ago

I mean I think it helps put things in context. It sort of feels like you’re lied to if you’re told all the good things about Euler and can grow up idolizing him and not know that IRL he was a piece of shit.

pif 4y ago
Only an idiot could think he knows everything about Euler as a person, just because he heard his name in a geometry class.
- joxel 4y ago
  Sure, but wouldn't you assume someone isn't a piece of shit unless told otherwise? Just saying, a disclaimer isn't a bad thing.
- IIAOPSW 4y ago
  I love how my example was actually Euclid, but everyone's just writing Euler now.

baidifnaoxi 4y ago

This is an incredible definition: > So allow me to clarify. Science and math, above all else, is an ideological commitment to the premise that truth does not derive from authority.