The LRB Podcast cover image

The LRB Podcast

Early Modern Maths

Oct 30, 2024
36:42
Snipd AI
Tom Johnson, a medieval historian at Oxford, dives into the evolution of numeracy in Early Modern England. He discusses the shift from Roman to Arabic numerals, revolutionizing mathematical understanding and education. The chat highlights the cultural implications of this transition, revealing how arithmetic evolved from a tradesman's skill to an esteemed academic discipline. They also explore the role of population data in governance, connecting historical practices with modern data politics. A fascinating look at how numbers transformed society!
Read more

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The shift from Roman to Arabic numerals during Early Modern England marked a significant evolution in mathematical reasoning and cultural engagement with numbers.
  • The emergence of arithmetic textbooks in the 16th century transformed mathematical education by transitioning from practical skills to theoretical knowledge accessible to self-learners.

Deep dives

Quantitative Transformation of Early Modern England

The concept of a quantitative transformation during Early Modern England revolves around a shift in the understanding and utilization of numbers. This transformation involved the transition from Roman numerals to Arabic numerals, which allowed for a more sophisticated approach to calculations and mathematical reasoning. Jessica Marie Otis's work highlights how the use of numbers expanded from mere counting to a cultural aspect of daily life, where individuals began employing statistics to evaluate risk and chance. The synthesis of mathematical advancements and common usage marks a significant departure from previous numeracy practices and indicates a broader acceptance of numbers as integral to life.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode