Famous Mathematicians

The concept of mathematics shapes the universe and is fundamental to understanding the world and beyond. Mathematics is one of the oldest intellectual disciplines, originating in ancient Greece, and has a wide school of thought among different philosophers.

Mathematics involves the study of patterns, and making conclusions of those patterns based on proof of false or true conjectures. Through the use of logic, mathematics applies calculations, measurements, and counts, and also studies physical objects in relation to their space, movement, and shape. Without the work and developments of several famous mathematicians, science and technology wouldn't be as advanced as it is today.

One of the oldest contributions to the study comes from Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who dates back to 570 BC. Pythagoras and his followers are considered one of the earliest groups to study mathematics, and he is credited with the development of the Pythagorean Theorem, an important part of modern measurement, and something taught in every fundamental Trigonometry class. Some sources even credit Pythagoras as being the founding father of modern day mathematics.

Euclid

The father of geometry, Euclid, is credited with providing the first framework for logical proof of theorems. Very little is known about his life, and whatever has been discovered was found after his death. It's assumed that he lived around 300 BC, and his work has been used in mathematical education through the 20th century. While some of his works didn't survive history, there are five, generally on the topic of number theory, which helped shaped modern day geometry.

Isaac Newton

Possibly one of the most famous mathematicians is Isaac Newton, who's contributions to modern calculus has lead him to be credited as the actual inventor of the field. However, a debate exists in the mathematical world, as those who don't recognize Newton as the creator often side with Wilhelm Leibniz as the father of calculus. Leibniz created the modern standard notation, and has made large discoveries in the field. No matter who is officially credited as the inventor of calculus, it's important to recognize both men for their outstanding contributions, each in his own manner.

Rene Descartes

There cannot be a discussion of calculus without the mention of French philosopher, Rene Descartes. He worked to create fundamental foundations to the world of calculus, which Newton and Leibniz could base their work off. He has also made extensive contributions to the world of geometry, where his development of the standard graph changed the way geometers worked. By introducing superscripts within algebraic equations, Descartes changed the way the expression of power was noted in modern mathematics.

Alan Turing

Mathematics isn't all about ancient theories and complex calculations, however. Computer Scientist Alan Turing is considered one of the greatest minds in the 20th century, specifically for his work in computer coding that helped crack the German Enigma encryptions during the Second World War. After WWII he spent his time researching artificial intelligence, and his work with computers has undoubtedly been impactful on the advancement of the technology today.

Rumor Has It …

… that some of the most famous scientists in history participated in the little known celebration of International Cow Tipping Day. Then again this rumor could be a load of bull.

Written by Kevin Lepton