CfP: Mathematics and Mechanics in the Newtonian Age
Workshop “Mathematics and Mechanics in the
Newtonian Age: historical and philosophical questions”
University of Sevilla, Institute of Mathematics (IMUS), 18-20 Sept. 2017
The problem of
the “applicability” of mathematics is justly emphasized, but it is often
forgotten that the set-up of the problem changes with context. Its usual
formulation presupposes the “modern” conception of maths (emphasizing pure
mathematics, structures, abstract axiom systems) and cannot be employed for the
“classical” era without questioning. We aim to investigate the changing
configuration of relations between pure and “applied” maths, with particular
attention to the “classical” era (17th and 18th
centuries) contrasted with the 19th and early 20th
centuries.
Besides its
historical and philosophical interest, the question is of current concern given
that we are living changes in the understanding of maths, as the more “impure”
methods are once again being brought centre stage (see Bottazzini & Dahan
Dalmedico 2001; notice also the recent meetings at the Mathematisches
Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach, in 2013, 2015).
Contributed
papers will be welcome on topics relevant to the workshop.
In order to
promote discussion and bring the workshop’s topic into sharper focus, we
propose to consider, on the ‘physical side,’ mainly the science of mechanics.
Obviously the mathematical treatment of other branches of physics is of
enormous interest, but in this particular meeting we suggest to consider them
only insofar as they have affected the most primary aspects of the
mathematisation of physics.
One of the
questions under analysis is the changing status of the fundamental principles
of mechanics along the 19th century, from their earlier role as
“axioms or laws of movement” in Newton’s formulation, to their reconception as
“hypothesis or conventions”. Transformations in mathematics have played a role,
alongside other factors, in this development.
By “Newtonian
age” we understand roughly 1700-1900, i.e., the period of maximum influence of
Newton’s physical ideas.
Organised by
research project P12-HUM-1216 “La génesis del conocimiento matemático:
cognición, historia y prácticas”, in cooperation with IMUS.
The invited
speakers are: Robert DiSalle (University of Western Ontario), Helmut Pulte (Ruhr
Universität Bochum-RUB),
and Ivahn Smadja (Université
de Paris Diderot – Paris 7 & Lab. Sphère).
Proposals
should be of a max. length of 500 words. Please send them to María de Paz <depaz.am@gmail.com>. The call for papers is open
until May 29th
Organising
and Scientific committee: José Ferreirós, María de Ponte, Adán Sus (Univ. Valladolid),
María de Paz
For more information, visit: https://gecomat1216.wordpress.