The overall theme of these articles on the Renewal of Mathematics is that the subject has been grossly over-mystified and its most important manifestation —mathematical modelling— has been grossly under-valued. Pythagoras —the first significant polymathematician*— founded  a Brotherhood of colleagues which has, in a sense, survived for more than 2,500 […]

Mathematics today is still, broadly speaking, dominated by a relatively small group of higher purist mathematicians. Although the Met Office says it employs 2,000 mathematicians, they are not being paid to do ‘mathematics for mathematics’ sake’, but rather to try to improve immensely complex existing algorithms aimed at more accurately […]

The fanciful notion that mathematics is, broadly speaking, an inquiry into a world of ‘Real Abstract Objects’ quite independent of humanity —and just as real as physical things— has often been cited by mathematicians of the highest calibre as the main justification for their lifelong commitment to it.  These Abstract […]

Mathematics is, broadly speaking, a highly disciplined, rational, rigorous, carefully-led human activity.  In spite of this general reputation, however, there were four moments in history when the leadership of the subject lapsed into uncharacteristic, palpable, mind-boggling, inexcusable irrationality. This blog asks the question <<How could such huge lapses of judgment […]