[Maths-Education] Mathematical Cultures Conference 2

[Matthew Inglis]

Dear all,

Please find details below about the second conference in the Mathematical Cultures project. The project website is at:
https://sites.google.com/site/mathematicalcultures/

Best wishes

Matthew
(on behalf of the programme committee)



Mathematical Cultures Conference 2

“Values provide the only basis for the fully intelligible comprehension of culture, because the actual organisation of all cultures is primarily in terms of their values.” (Kroeber & Kluckhohn 1952 p. 340)

September 17-19 2013
De Morgan House (London)

This meeting will articulate and classify mathematical values.  What do mathematicians mean when they use terms such as ‘deep’, ‘elegant’, ‘explanatory’, etc.?  What is the rational structure of the deliberations mathematicians use to reach value judgments (in PhD examinations, book reviews, journal referee reports, etc.)?  How much variety is there in mathematical values between mathematical cultures?

In addition to virtues that mathematicians look for in mathematical work (elegance, etc.), we may also consider the values that prevail among mathematicians in mathematical cultures.  What are the virtues of a good mathematician?

This conference will build on the first conference by referring these questions to the various mathematical cultures identified at the first conference.

Confirmed Speakers

Prof Alan Bishop
Prof Paul Ernest
Prof José Ferreirós
Prof Emily Grosholz


Call for Papers

Speakers wishing to present papers at the second mathematical cultures conference should submit an abstract of no more than 300 words to the Easychair submissions system by 1 May 2013:
https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=mc2

Each speaking slot will be 35 minutes.  Speakers should prepare to leave ten minutes for questions and discussion.

Applications from postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers are particularly welcome.

The programme committee will inform applicants of its decisions by 1 June 2013.