The Political Entanglement of Mathematics: A Historical Case Study from Revolutionary Naples
By
OgsyedIE
An everything bagel for the brain. Substantive, layered, well-seasoned.
Summary
This essay explores the historical entanglement of mathematics and politics through a forgotten episode in French-occupied Naples around 1800. It examines how mathematical methods were perceived as transforming society and how mathematicians in revolutionary Naples grappled with the political implications of their work. The piece argues against viewing mathematics as a purely abstract, apolitical discipline and instead demonstrates how mathematical practices have always been intertwined with political ideologies and social transformations.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledMassimo Mazzotti uses a forgotten episode in French-occupied Naples to demonstrate the entanglement of mathematics and politics.
The protagonists of this story were gravely concerned about how mainstream mathematical methods were transforming their world.
This essay is adapted from Massimo Mazzotti's 2023 book Reactionary Mathematics: A Genealogy of Purity.
The piece illustrates why it makes sense to see mathematics and politics as entangled.
A forgotten episode in French-occupied Naples in the years around 1800—just after the French Revolution—demonstrates the political dimensions of mathematics.
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