Mathematical Cultures, Values and Norms
The Novembertagung on the History and Philosophy of Mathematics is an annual international conference aimed at PhD and postdoctoral students (young scholars) in the history of mathematics.
In 2019 the Novembertagung will be held in Strasbourg. Lodging will be at the CIARUS from 30/10 to 02/11 and the conferences at the IRMA, from 31/10 to 02/11.
Mathematical knowledge is commonly thought of as being essentially universal: its truths are eternal and incontrovertible, its propositions understandable and agreeable by all, independent of linguistic, cultural, ethnic or religious backgrounds, its formulation and validation requiring little more than pen and paper. However, global knowledge, as mathematics seems to be, is always produced locally. As such, it hinges upon collectively shared ways of practicing, writing, and communicating mathematics. This year’s Novembertagung invites participants to reflect broadly on one or several of the following questions:
- How can we characterize mathematical communities and cultures? What historiographical and epistemological categories should one use when describing these shared ways of doing mathematics?
- How does mathematical knowledge circulate between these communities?
- What role do values and norms, be it epistemic, aesthetic or political, play in the shaping of mathematical cultures?
- What role do values and norms play in shaping the individual mathematician and their work ?
- How can historians and philosophers evaluate the impact of these cultural aspects on the mathematics being produced?
Contributions less strictly related to this theme are also welcome; however, establishing links with the theme will allow for more fruitful discussions, and as such is recommended. We are happy to host presentations pertaining to historical, historiographical, or philosophical discussions of this theme.