A Brief History of Mathematics

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Professor of Mathematics Marcus du Sautoy reveals the personalities behind the calculations and argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science.

BBC Radio 4 Extra


    • Oct 1, 2010 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 14m AVG DURATION
    • 10 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The A Brief History of Mathematics podcast is an exceptional series that delves into the fascinating world of mathematical discovery and innovation. Hosted by Professor Marcus du Sautoy, this podcast provides a concise and engaging overview of the key mathematicians and their contributions throughout history. While it may be brief in length, it is certainly not lacking in quality or substance.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible to listeners of all backgrounds. Professor du Sautoy has a talent for breaking down complicated ideas into easily understandable explanations, making it enjoyable even for those with little prior knowledge or interest in mathematics. His enthusiasm and passion for the subject are infectious and help to create a captivating listening experience.

    Another highlight of this podcast is its focus on the human side of mathematics. Rather than simply presenting dry facts and theories, Professor du Sautoy delves into the minds and motivations behind these great mathematical minds. This personal touch adds depth and richness to the stories being told, allowing listeners to truly connect with these remarkable individuals and gain insight into their thought processes.

    One possible drawback of this podcast is its brevity. While each episode provides a comprehensive overview of a particular mathematician or concept, there is certainly room for expansion. It would be wonderful to hear more in-depth discussions and analysis, as well as explore lesser-known mathematicians who may not have received as much recognition in traditional history books.

    In conclusion, The A Brief History of Mathematics podcast is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the world of mathematics. Its engaging storytelling, accessible explanations, and focus on human stories make it both informative and entertaining. Although it leaves you wanting more, it serves as a great starting point for further exploration into this captivating subject.



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    Latest episodes from A Brief History of Mathematics

    Nicolas Bourbaki

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2010 14:36


    This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today, the mathematician that never was, Nicolas Bourbaki. A group of French mathematicians, working between the two world wars and writing under the pseudonym Nicolas Bourbaki transformed their discipline and paved the way for several mathematical breakthroughs in the 21st century.Producer: Anna BuckleyFrom 2010.

    french newton sautoy professor marcus bourbaki
    Hardy and Ramanujan

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2010 14:18


    This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today, G.H.Hardy, the mathematician who insisted he had never done anything useful. And yet his work on the "diabolical malice" inherent in prime numbers inspired the millions of codes that now help to keep the internet safe. Producer: Anna BuckleyFrom 2010.

    Henri Poincaré

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2010 14:08


    This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today Henri Poincaré, the man who proved there are certain problems that mathematics will never be able to answer: a mathematical insight that gave rise to chaos theory. Producer: Anna BuckleyFrom 2010.

    newton sautoy professor marcus henri poincar
    Georg Cantor

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2010 14:18


    This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today, Georg Cantor, the mathematician who showed us how to carry on counting when the numbers run out. An insight into the nature of infinity that Roger Penrose believes helps to explain why the human brain will always be cleverer than artificial intelligence. Producer: Anna Buckley From 2010.

    newton roger penrose sautoy georg cantor professor marcus
    The Mathematicians Who Helped Einstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2010 13:52


    This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today, the pioneering nineteenth century mathematicians who helped Albert Einstien with his maths: Jonas Bolyai, Nicolas Loachevski and Bernhard Riemann. Without the mathematics to describe curved space and multiple dimensions, the theory of relativity doesn't really work. Producer: Anna BuckleyFrom 2010.

    albert einstein helped newton mathematicians sautoy professor marcus bernhard riemann albert einstien
    Carl Friedrich Gauss

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2010 13:49


    Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science: German mathematician, Carl Friedrich Gaus.This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. It was the German scientist and mathematician, Carl Friedrich Gauss, who said mathematics was the Queen of Science. One of his many mathematical breakthroughs, the Gaussian or normal distribution, is the lifeblood of statistics. It underpins modern medicine and is a valuable tool in the fight against prejudice. Producer: Anna BuckleyFrom 2010.

    science german newton gaussian sautoy professor marcus carl friedrich gauss
    Evariste Galois

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2010 13:43


    Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science: mathematics during the French Revolution. This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today how the mathematics of the French revolutionary, Evariste Galois, has proved invaluable to particle physicists working today.The mathematics that Galois began, over two hundred years ago, now absolutely describes the fundamental particles that make up our universe. Producer: Anna BuckleyFrom 2010.

    french newton french revolution sautoy galois professor marcus evariste galois
    Joseph Fourier

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2010 14:10


    Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science: Joseph Fourier's insightful maths.This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today, the mathematics of Joseph Fourier. It's thanks to his mathematical insight that you can hear Marcus on the radio and that Brian Eno can create sounds that have never been heard before. Producer: Anna Buckley From 2010.

    Leonhard Euler

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2010 13:32


    Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science: Leonhard Euler and an 18th-century puzzle.This ten-part history of mathematics reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today, how the mathematics that Leonard Euler invented two hundred years ago has transformed the internet. Euler's solution to an 18th-century conundrum paved the way for the search engines most of us use every day. Producer: Anna BuckleyFrom 2010.

    Newton and Leibniz

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2010 14:18


    Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science: Newton, Leibniz and calculus. This ten-part history of mathematics reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. Today, the story of two late 17th century mathematicians who worked on the same problem at the same time - the calculus - in which the great hero of British science, Newton, reveals himself to be a little less gentlemanly than his German rival, Leibniz. The calculus is one of the greatest achievements of mankind: an astronaut and an investment analyst pay homage to its enormous power. Producer: Anna Buckley

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