Philosophy and Fun of Algebra by Mary Everest Boole

By Loyal Books

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Episodes: 36

Description

Mary Everest Boole (1832-1916) was born Mary Everest in England and spent her early years in France. She married mathematician George Boole. She was the author of several works on teaching and teaching mathematics in particular. This short book, Philosophy and Fun of Algebra, is meant to be read by children and introduces algebra and logic. She uses the word “algebra” broadly, defining it as a “method of solving problems by honest confession of one’s ignorance”. Using this definition, Boole introduces, in a conversational manner, the concepts of logic and algebra, illustrating these concepts with stories and anecdotes, often from biblical sources. At times, her discussion seems somewhat mystical, speaking of the imagination and angels as messengers which guide one toward the next step in a logical investigation. Boole ends the book with a reminder that algebra’s essential element is “the habitual registration of the exact limits of one’s knowledge” and a call for the public to keep this principle in mind when encountering any situation.

Episode Date
01 – From Arithmetic to Algebra
Jan 02, 2025
02 – The Making of Algebras
Jan 01, 2025
03 – Simultaneous Problems
Dec 31, 2024
04 – Partial Solutions.. Elements of Complexity
Dec 30, 2024
05 – Mathematical Certainty…
Dec 29, 2024
06 – The First Hebrew Algebra
Dec 28, 2024
07 – How to Choose Our Hypotheses
Dec 27, 2024
08 – The Limits of the Teacher
Dec 26, 2024
09 – The Use of Sewing Cards
Dec 25, 2024
10 – The Story of a Working Hypothesis
Dec 24, 2024
11 – Macbeth’s Mistake
Dec 23, 2024
12 – Jacob’s Ladder
Dec 22, 2024
13 – The Great x of the World
Dec 21, 2024
14 – Go Out of My Class-Room
Dec 20, 2024
15 – Square Root of Minus One
Dec 19, 2024
16 – Infinity
Dec 18, 2024
17 – From Bondage to Freedom
Dec 17, 2024
18 – Appendix
Dec 16, 2024