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Geometry vs. Algebra:Model-less Planetary Theory of the East

Prof. Nakayama discusses a hitherto unresolved problem in understanding early Chinese mathematics: the meaning of limit, mean, and true degrees in the Shoushi Ii planetary tables and subsequent commentaries. He explains prior problems in resolving this problem and his new solution. He argues for the incomensurability between the Western geometrical model and the Chinese algebraic approach. He concludes with comments upon contemporary historiography of mathematics and science.

Monday, October 20, 2008
4:00 PM

UCLA History of Science, Medicine, and Technology Colloquium
4pm Monday 20 October 2008 at 5288 Bunche Hall, UCLA 

“Geometry vs. Algebra:  Model-less Planetary Theory of the East”

Professor Shigeru Nakayama
Visiting Professor and holder of the Paul Terasaki Chair in U.S.-Japan Relations, UCLA [2008-2009]

Prof. Nakayama discusses a hitherto unresolved problem in understanding early Chinese mathematics: the meaning of limit, mean, and true degrees in the Shoushi Ii planetary tables and subsequent commentaries. He explains prior problems in resolving this problem and his new solution. He argues for the incomensurability between the Western geometrical model and the Chinese algebraic approach. He concludes with comments upon contemporary historiography of mathematics and science.

Prof. Nakayama is the preeminent historian of science in Japan.  After receiving his PhD from Harvard, working with Thomas Kuhn, he moved to the University of Tokyo where he launched a research program in the history of science; after retiring from the University of Tokyo he moved to Kanagawa University in Yokohama where he established an STS [science, technology, and society] program.  He also launched a major on-going collaborative project on the social history of science and technology in Japan since WWII.  After leaving Kanagawa University he frequently visits Cambridge University [UK], and has held visiting positions at several other universities and institutes in Australia, Austria, China, Germany, and the United States.

Throughout his career Prof. Nakayama has been interested in how knowledge circulates transnationally.  He has explored that topic in his work on mathematical astronomy/calendars in 16-18c east Asia and his work on post-World War II science, technology, and medicine in Japan.

He is the author of many books and articles, beginning with A history of Japanese astronomy: Chinese background and Western Impact (Harvard University Press, 1969).He also has edited or co-edited many books, from Chinese science: explorations of an ancient tradition (MIT Press, 1973) to the multi-volume Social History of Science and Technology in. Contemporary Japan.  Volume one [2002] addresses the Occupation Period: 1947-1952.   Five volumes in the series have been published, and another is being edited now.

Access his CV and extensive publications at http://homepage3.nifty.com/shigeru-histsci/

Access descriptions of some of his current research projects at http://homepage3.nifty.com/shigeru-histsci/WorkinProgressE.html

 Access the paper he will be discussing at http://www.history.ucla.edu/academics/graduate/fields-of-study/science-1/calendar-of-events

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