Dr.ir. F.J. Dijksterhuis (university of Twente)

Date: 07 September 2016

Time: 12:45 - 13:30 (Lunch available from 12:35)

Room: RA 1501 (Ravelijn)

Title: Simon Stevin and the roots of applied mathematics

Abstract:

The life of Simon Stevin (1548-1620) ran parallel to the establishment of the Dutch Republic. He played a prominent role as an engineering advisor and a scholarly visionair, laying both military and cultural foundations for the new state. In this context he made fascinating contributions to mathematics, combining abstract reasoning and practical use in an original and systematic way. I will discuss some of his mathematical achievements and their historical context. This sometimes brings us to strange places, such as the antediluvian origins of mathematics.