Irish Mathematicians of the Nineteenth Century
Abstract
Mathematics may be defined the science of quantity, or the science which considers magnitudes either as computable or measurable» The word Mathematics literally means discipline and the science was so called because the study of it inclines the mind, as it were, to form lucid conceptions of such things as can be conceived and accustoms it to follow with exactness a train of logical deduction. It likewise disciplines the mind against an over hasty judgment, and in many other ways promotes mental culture. In the time of Plato, it was considered the only cultivator of the pure reasoning power, and some modern writers seem to give it the same pre-eminence. The philosopher, Locke, for instance in his ”Conduct of the Human Understanding," says, "Mathematics should be taught to all those who have time and opportunity; not so much to make them mathematicians as to make them reasonable creatures."
Subject Area
Philosophy|Mathematics
Recommended Citation
O'Sullivan, Vincent, "Irish Mathematicians of the Nineteenth Century" (1928). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI31097125.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI31097125
