The History of the History of Mathematics': research symposium

The History of the History of Mathematics': research symposium

All Souls College, Oxford
Thursday 16 and Friday 17 December 2010

Mathematical histories have been written since at least the
seventeenth century, yet on the whole there has been relatively
little reflection on the trajectory which history of mathematics
itself has taken over time. Nor has sustained attention often been
given to the historiography of a subject which by its nature involves
methodological choices and dilemmas different from those of other
kinds of history.

This symposium will bring together an international group of leading
scholars to consider the history of mathematics as a cultural
phenomenon in its own right, and to discuss both where it has come
from and where it might go next, with papers both on particular
historians and on particular historiographies.

Confirmed speakers and topics:

Sabine Rommevaux (title tbc);
Jackie Stedall, 'A history of historical approaches to Thomas Harriot
(1560–1621)';
Rebekah Higgitt, '"Not a master of expression": biographical
treatments of Newton as a mathematician';
Robert Goulding  (title tbc);
Philip Beeley, 'The progress of Mathematick Learning. John Wallis as
historian of mathematics';
Niccolò Guicciardini, 'The quarrel on the invention of the calculus
in Jean E. Montucla & Joseph Jérôme L. de Lalande, Histoire des
Mathématiques (1758/1799–1802)';
Jeremy Gray, 'Mathematicians’ histories: reflections on histories of
hard mathematics';
Steve Russ, 'The Human Face of Mathematics'.

Organiser:
Benjamin Wardhaugh

A limited number of places are available for observers: these will be
allocated on a strictly first-come basis. The cost will be £50, and
will cover attendance at the conference sessions, with tea and
coffee, and at the conference dinner on 17 December. Unfortunately
accommodation cannot be provided for observers.

To reserve a place, or for any enquiries, please contact Benjamin
Wardhaugh at:

benjamin.wardhaugh@all-souls.ox.ac.uk

Dr Benjamin Wardhaugh
All Souls College
Oxford OX1 4AL
UK