Aims

The course tries to situate mathematics, paradigm of exact science, in the quest for knowledge and the search for truth.

Main themes

The course consists in a reflection on the mathematical methods based on a theme that will vary from year to year. In order to do so, the course studies the perception that science men had of mathematics in time, since the ancient certainties to the "incompletion" results, through doubt, like with the non Euclidian geometries or the first frights of infinity.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisites: mathematics, sciences and thought history, philosophy.

Support: Reference books. Morris Kline - Mathematics, the loss of certainty - Oxford University Press - 1980. Articles of mathematical philosophy.

Openings: many questions.

Evaluation: based on seminars and works.

Other credits in programs