Mathematical Thought in Ancient and Modern Times (Volume 2)

Author: Morris Kline (USA), translated by Zhu Xueqian, Shen Youchang, Ye Qixiao, et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: This book discusses major mathematical creations and developments from ancient times to the first few decades of the 20th century, aiming to introduce the central ideas, with particular emphasis on those mainstream works that gradually emerged during the main periods of mathematical history, became prominent, and influenced subsequent mathematical activities. The book is also deeply concerned with: perspectives on mathematics itself, changes in these perspectives over different periods, and mathematicians' understanding of their own achievements. Some chapters of the book present samples of mathematics already created in the fields discussed, but I firmly believe these samples are representative. Furthermore, to keep the focus on the main ideas, I often omit minor conditions required for strict accuracy when citing theorems or results. The book, of course, has its limitations, but the author believes it provides an outline of the entire history. The organization of the book emphasizes leading mathematical topics rather than mathematicians. Every branch of mathematics bears the imprint of its founders, and outstanding figures play a decisive role in determining the course of mathematics.