×

On the sprout and setback of the concept of mathematical “proof” in the Edo period in Japan: Regarding the method of calculating number \(\pi\). (English) Zbl 0799.01005

Among the numerous schools existing in the Japanese tradition of mathematics during the Edo period (1600-1868), Takuma’s school appears as an original one for having developed a method of approximation of the circumference using inscribed and circumscribed polygons. The author emphasizes the logicality and the creativity of Takuma’s approach but his arguments are not convincing, for he only provides an explanation in modern terms of Takuma’s calculation and the reader cannot know if the notion of proof is discussed by Takuma himself or not.
Reviewer: A.Horiuchi (Paris)

MSC:

01A27 History of Japanese mathematics
PDFBibTeX XMLCite