On the Transmission of Mathematical Knowledge in Versified Form in China

Bréard A (2014)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes

Publication year: 2014

Publisher: Springer Nature

Edited Volumes: Scientific Sources and Teaching Contexts Throughout History: Problems and Perspectives

Series: Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science

City/Town: Dordrecht

Book Volume: 301

Pages Range: 155-185

ISBN: 978-94-007-5121-7

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5122-4_7

Abstract

In this article, I attempt a classification of the content and functionality of the different types of mathematical verse that can be found in the studied corpus.

My contribution is based on available primary source material, including sources of the encyclopedic genre, from the Yuan (1271–1368) and Ming dynasties, which contain mathematical verse and jingles. Instead of interpreting the abundance of versified material in terms of popularization of mathematical learning within a context of commercial book publishing and a higher social mobility, I have tried to place the studied corpus into a larger educational context. I shall argue that mathematical verses show certain parallels with mnemonic exercises linked to educational primers in China and were formulated for pedagogical purposes aiming not only at mathematical literacy but also at acquiring reading and writing skills more generally.

Authors with CRIS profile

Andrea Bréard

Additional Organisation(s)

Chair for Sinology with a focus on the Intellectual and Cultural History of China (Alexander von Humboldt-Professor)

Involved external institutions

LILLE 1 University - Science and Technology FR France (FR)

How to cite

APA:

Bréard, A. (2014). On the Transmission of Mathematical Knowledge in Versified Form in China. In Alain Bernard, Christine Proust (Eds.), Scientific Sources and Teaching Contexts Throughout History: Problems and Perspectives. (pp. 155-185). Dordrecht: Springer Nature.

MLA:

Bréard, Andrea. "On the Transmission of Mathematical Knowledge in Versified Form in China." Scientific Sources and Teaching Contexts Throughout History: Problems and Perspectives. Ed. Alain Bernard, Christine Proust, Dordrecht: Springer Nature, 2014. 155-185.

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