A blog covering the history of STEM and how we got to where we are.
François Viète (1540–1603), also known as Franciscus Vieta, was a French mathematician whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern algebra. Born during the French Renaissance, Viète’s contributions to mathematics and science marked a significant shift in how mathematical problems were approached and solved. His revolutionary ideas bridged the gap between classical mathematics and the …
Kurt Gödel (1906–1978) is one of the most profound and influential mathematicians and logicians in history. His groundbreaking work in mathematical logic and philosophy, particularly his Incompleteness Theorems, redefined the foundations of mathematics and had far-reaching implications for science, computer science, and our understanding of knowledge itself. Often considered one of the greatest minds of …
The History of the Indian Decimal System The Indian decimal system is one of the most significant advancements in mathematics, fundamentally changing how numbers are represented and calculated. Originating in ancient India, this numeral system laid the groundwork for modern mathematics and has influenced various scientific fields. In this blog post, we will explore the …
Felix Hausdorff (1868–1942) was a German mathematician whose groundbreaking work laid the foundations for modern topology, set theory, and measure theory. A visionary thinker with a multidisciplinary background, Hausdorff combined rigorous mathematical reasoning with a deep interest in philosophy and literature. His contributions transformed abstract mathematics, influencing fields as diverse as functional analysis, probability theory, …
Eratosthenes of Cyrene (circa 276 BCE–194 BCE) stands as one of the greatest minds of ancient Greece, making monumental contributions to mathematics, geography, astronomy, and more. Known for his innovative thinking and interdisciplinary approach, Eratosthenes earned the title of Pentathlos—a champion of many intellectual disciplines. As the chief librarian of the famed Library of Alexandria, …
Zeno’s paradoxes are a fascinating collection of philosophical thought experiments that have challenged mathematicians, philosophers, and scientists for centuries. Attributed to Zeno of Elea, a Greek philosopher who lived in the 5th century BCE, these paradoxes were intended to defend the ideas of his teacher, Parmenides, who argued that reality is unchanging and that change …
Aryabhata the Elder (476 CE–550 CE) is one of the most celebrated figures in the history of mathematics and astronomy. Born in the region of present-day India, Aryabhata made groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundation for many modern mathematical and scientific concepts. Through his seminal work, the Aryabhatiya, he introduced ideas that have influenced fields …
David Hilbert (1862–1943) is widely regarded as one of the most influential mathematicians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His profound contributions to mathematics and science have shaped fields ranging from algebra and geometry to physics and logic. Hilbert’s work was not confined to technical theorems; his visionary insights helped set the course …
The Moscow Mathematical Papyrus, also known as the Golenischev Mathematical Papyrus, is one of the most significant artifacts from ancient Egypt, offering insights into the mathematical knowledge and practices of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Dating back to around 1850 BCE during the Middle Kingdom period, this papyrus predates many mathematical documents and is …
The History of the Golden Ratio and Its Impact on Mathematics and Science The Golden Ratio, often represented by the Greek letter \(ϕ\) or \(τ\), is one of the most captivating and enigmatic mathematical concepts in history. Defined as a special number approximately equal to 1.6180339887, the Golden Ratio has fascinated mathematicians, artists, architects, and …