ON THE UNCANNY IN MATHEMATICS

Abstract

It has been widely remarked that the history of mathematics can be done in at least two ways: diachronically and synchronically. The first tends to be internal, concerning, as it usually does, how certain mathematical theories have evolved over time. The second tends to be external, relating mathematical concepts to more general concepts, usually related to arcane aspects of science or technology, in a given culture in a certain period. All of this, as a rule, is seen as dry as dust and as having precious little to do with life. So, one may be tempted to conclude along with Flaubert1 that "Mathematics dries up the heart".

Keywords

• ON THE UNCANNY IN MATHEMATICS