Historian to examine math's myths in April 13 lecture

Various fictions inhabit math textbooks and classrooms, despite mathematicians’ genuine quest for rigor and truth.

Old and charming – but unsubstantiated – stories about Pythagoras, Gauss, Galoi and the golden ratio are part of the folklore of mathematics. What happens when we subtract these inventions from the history of mathematics?

Historian Alberto Martínez will argue that not all invention is bad at his public lecture, “Pythagoras and Other Fictions: Do We Need Them in Math?” scheduled for Thursday, April 13, at 4:30 p.m. in 251 Malott Hall. After the talk, the audience is invited to 532 Malott Hall for pizza and informal conversation with Martínez at a reception hosted by the Undergraduate Math Club.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Martínez is an expert on the history of physics and mathematics. He is a professor of history at the University of Texas, Austin. His many books include “The Cult of Pythagoras,” on the evolution of myths in the history of mathematics, “Science Secrets: The Truth About Darwin’s Finches, Einstein’s Wife, and Other Myths” and “Kinematics: The Lost Origins of Einstein's Relativity.”

The event is being held in conjunction with national Math Awareness Month, which aims to increase public understanding of and appreciation for mathematics, according to Mary Ann Huntley, director of mathematics outreach and K-12 education activities in Cornell’s Department of Mathematics. The department sponsors an annual public lecture each April.

The department also sponsors a T-shirt design contest at Ithaca High School. The best student design is chosen by the high school faculty, together with Cornell mathematics faculty, staff and graduate students. Huntley gives shirts to faculty, students and others who participate in outreach activities throughout the year.

More information about Cornell’s mathematics outreach activities, including workshops for teachers and mathematics activities for middle and high school students, can be found on the math department website.

Linda B. Glaser is a staff writer for the College of Arts and Sciences.

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