Free Daily Podcast Summary
Opinionated History of Mathematics: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Intellectual Mathematics
Cracking tales of historical mathematics and its interplay with science, philosophy, and culture. Revisionist history galore. Contrarian takes on received wisdom. Implications for teaching. Informed by current scholarship. By Dr Viktor Blåsjö.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Jul 15, 202526 min
Death of Archimedes
Archimedes’s emblematic death makes sense psychologically and embodies a rich historical picture in a single scene. Transcript Archimedes died mouthing back at an enemy soldier: “Don’t disturb my circles.” Or that’s how the story goes. Is this fact or fiction? We have third-hand accounts at best so there is plenty of room for doubt. But … Continue reading Death of Archimedes
- Dec 30, 202456 min
Torricelli’s trumpet is not counterintuitive
There is nothing counterintuitive about an infinite shape with finite volume, contrary to the common propaganda version of the calculus trope known as Torricelli’s trumpet. Nor was this result seen as counterintuitive at the time of its discovery in the 17th century, contrary to many commonplace historical narratives. Transcript Torricelli’s trumpet is not counterintuitive. Your … Continue reading Torricelli’s trumpet is not counterintuitive
- Nov 29, 20231h 27m
Did Copernicus steal ideas from Islamic astronomers?
Copernicus’s planetary models contain elements also found in the works of late medieval Islamic astronomers associated with the Maragha School, including the Tusi couple and Ibn al-Shatir’s models for the Moon and Mercury. On this basis many historians have concluded that Copernicus must have gotten his hands on these Maragha ideas somehow or other, even … Continue reading Did Copernicus steal ideas from Islamic astronomers?
- Jul 23, 20231h 16m
Operational Einstein: constructivist principles of special relativity
Einstein’s theory of special relativity defines time and space operationally, that is to say, in terms of the actions performed to measure them. This is analogous to the constructivist spirit of classical geometry. Transcript Oh no, we are chained to a wall! Aaah! This is going to mess up our geometry big time. Remember what … Continue reading Operational Einstein: constructivist principles of special relativity
- Oct 11, 202252 min
Review of Netz’s New History of Greek Mathematics
Reviel Netz’s New History of Greek Mathematics contains a number of factual errors, both mathematical and historical. Netz is dismissive of traditional scholarship in the field, but in some ways represents a step backwards with respect to that tradition. I argue against Netz’s dismissal of many anecdotal historical testimonies as fabrications, and his “ludic proof” … Continue reading Review of Netz’s New History of Greek Mathematics
- May 20, 202232 min
The “universal grammar” of space: what geometry is innate?
Geometry might be innate in the same way as language. There are many languages, each of which is an equally coherent and viable paradigm of thought, and the same can be said for Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. As our native language is shaped by experience, so might our “native geometry” be. Yet substantive innate conceptions … Continue reading The “universal grammar” of space: what geometry is innate?
- Feb 20, 202230 min
“Repugnant to the nature of a straight line”: Non-Euclidean geometry
The discovery of non-Euclidean geometry in the 19th century radically undermined traditional conceptions of the relation between mathematics and the world. Instead of assuming that physical space was the subject matter of geometry, mathematicians elaborated numerous alternative geometries abstractly and formally, distancing themselves from reality and intuition. Transcript The mathematician has only one nightmare: to … Continue reading “Repugnant to the nature of a straight line”: Non-Euclidean geometry
- Nov 17, 202130 min
Rationalism 2.0: Kant’s philosophy of geometry
Kant developed a philosophy of geometry that explained how geometry can be both knowable in pure thought and applicable to physical reality. Namely, because geometry is built into not only our minds but also the way in which we perceive the world. In this way, Kant solved the applicability problem of classical rationalism, albeit at … Continue reading Rationalism 2.0: Kant’s philosophy of geometry
Get Opinionated History of Mathematics summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
A Brief History of Mathematics
Marcus du Sautoy explores the lives and ideas of influential mathematicians and their impact on modern science.
Relatively Prime: Stories from the Mathematical Domain
A podcast featuring stories from the world of mathematics.
In Our Time
Hosted by Misha Glenny, this BBC Radio 4 series examines major historical, cultural, scientific, and philosophical topics with academic experts.
The Joy of Why
Mathematicians and scientists explore fundamental questions in science and math through expert interviews.
The Joy of x
A mathematician explores the lives and ideas of leading scientists through in-depth conversations.
Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Explores theoretical physics, consciousness, AI, and metaphysics with analytical depth and increasing openness to unconventional ideas.
Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
A deep exploration of theoretical physics, consciousness, AI, and metaphysics through rigorous analysis and unconventional ideas.
Math & Physics Podcast
Two University of Toronto students discuss topics in math and physics.
My Favorite Theorem
A mathematician discusses their favorite theorem and what they enjoy pairing with it.
In Our Time: Philosophy
Discusses philosophers, theories, and key themes in philosophy, from altruism to Wittgenstein.
History Unplugged Podcast
Features interviews with history authors and answers to listener questions on a wide range of historical topics.
Inquiring Minds
Explores the intersection of science and society through critical thinking and in-depth analysis.
About Opinionated History of Mathematics
Cracking tales of historical mathematics and its interplay with science, philosophy, and culture. Revisionist history galore. Contrarian takes on received wisdom. Implications for teaching. Informed by current scholarship. By Dr Viktor Blåsjö.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Opinionated History of Mathematics in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Opinionated History of Mathematics daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Opinionated History of Mathematics as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Opinionated History of Mathematics podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Opinionated History of Mathematics product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Intellectual Mathematics.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Opinionated History of Mathematics release new episodes?
Opinionated History of Mathematics publishes occasional. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Opinionated History of Mathematics cover?
Opinionated History of Mathematics covers topics including Science, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Opinionated History of Mathematics summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.