Mathematics and the Craft of Thought in the Anglo-Dutch Renaissance

The development of a coherent visual system of mathematics in Western Europe led to a shift in approaches towards abstract thinking and made Euclid's Elements more accessible to a broader readership. This book explores how the visual language of early modern European geometry was constructed by borrowing and quoting from contemporary visual culture, creating a geometrical imaginary that was designed to tantalize with material connotations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The evolution of a coherent and unified visual system of mathematics marked a transformative shift in the approaches to abstract thinking in Western Europe. The vernacular translations of Euclid's Elements played a crucial role in making these innovative ideas accessible to a much broader audience than ever before. While scholarship has delved into the influence of mathematics on the literary cultures of England and the Low Countries, the role of visual metaphors in establishing mathematics as a practical tool has remained largely unexplored.

In his groundbreaking book, Mathematics and the Craft of Thought, Professor John Smith sheds light on the remarkable culture shift that accompanied the vernacular language translations of Euclid. Through meticulous research, Smith demonstrates how the translators of the time sought to create a geometrical imaginary that resonated with contemporary visual culture. They drew upon various sources, including paintings, prints, and architectural designs, to shape the visual language of early modern European geometry.

What sets Mathematics and the Craft of Thought apart is its argument that the verbal and visual language of this form of mathematics was not merely abstract but designed to tantalize with material connotations. The translators of Euclid deliberately employed craft metaphors to convey the practical applications and tangible benefits of mathematics. They saw geometry as a craft, a skill that required careful attention, precision, and creativity.

By incorporating craft metaphors into their translations, the translators aimed to make mathematics more accessible and relevant to a wider audience. They wanted to demonstrate that mathematics was not just a theoretical discipline but a practical tool that could be used to solve real-world problems. This shift in perspective paved the way for the development of practical geometry in the period, as mathematicians began to apply their knowledge to engineering, surveying, and other practical fields.

In conclusion, Mathematics and the Craft of Thought offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of mathematics in Western Europe. By exploring the role of visual metaphors in the establishment of mathematics as a practical tool, Professor Smith sheds light on the remarkable culture shift that accompanied the vernacular language translations of Euclid. His book demonstrates how the visual language of early modern European geometry was constructed by borrowing and quoting from contemporary visual culture, and how this form of mathematics was designed to tantalize with material connotations. Through his meticulous research, Smith provides a valuable contribution to the field of mathematics history and sheds light on the ways in which mathematics continues to shape our understanding of the world.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367345341