
In Our Time
Calculus
Sep 24, 2009
Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the feud between Newton and Leibniz over calculus, delving into plagiarism accusations, political motives, and the evolution of differential calculus. The podcast unravels the intense rivalry, with Leibniz's notation prevailing despite personal conflicts, shaping the modern mathematical landscape.
42:07
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Quick takeaways
- The feud between Newton and Leibniz over calculus not only had philosophical implications but also influenced mathematical notation.
- The dispute highlighted contrasting approaches to calculus, reflecting broader philosophical debates on time, space, and governance.
Deep dives
Calculus: A Historic Innovation
The 17th century saw the groundbreaking innovation of calculus, enabling the measurement of varying rates of change. This mathematical advancement not only revolutionized the field itself but also facilitated predictions in various fields, from engineering to space exploration. The monumental discovery led to a fierce controversy between English philosopher Isaac Newton and German thinker Gottfried Leibniz.
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