Tragic mathematics: romantic narratives and the refounding of mathematics in the early nineteenth century

A new, Romantic type of mathematical story appeared in the early nineteenth century that was radically different from the sober narrative characteristic of the previous generation of mathematicians. At the same time, a new mathematical practice emerged that differed sharply from the understanding an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inIsis Vol. 97; no. 4; p. 714
Main Author Alexander, Amir R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.2006
Subjects
History, 18th Century
History, 19th Century
Humans
Literature - history
Mathematics - history
Mythology
Narration
Perception
Philosophy - history
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Summary:A new, Romantic type of mathematical story appeared in the early nineteenth century that was radically different from the sober narrative characteristic of the previous generation of mathematicians. At the same time, a new mathematical practice emerged that differed sharply from the understanding and practice of mathematics during the Enlightenment. These parallel developments are inseparable: the new type of mathematical practice went hand in hand with the new mathematical story.
ISSN:0021-1753
DOI:10.1086/509952