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Articles 1 - 8 of 8

Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities

Could Raphael’S School Of Athens Contain Hidden Geometry?, Frode S. Larsen, Harald E. Moe Aug 2023

Could Raphael’S School Of Athens Contain Hidden Geometry?, Frode S. Larsen, Harald E. Moe

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In this article we argue that Raphael has hidden a geometric shape called a vesica piscis in his fresco The School of Athens (1510-1511). The vesica piscis, and several findings which can be interpreted as suggesting the presence of a vesica piscis in the fresco, are presented. Several of these suggestions relate to the vesica piscis drawn in the construction of an equilateral triangle in the first proposition of Euclid’s Elements. Based on findings in the fresco, we suggest that the vesica piscis should be interpreted in light of a philosophical and theological controversy which took place in Italy …


From A Doodle To A Theorem: A Case Study In Mathematical Discovery, Juan FernáNdez GonzáLez, Dirk Schlimm Feb 2023

From A Doodle To A Theorem: A Case Study In Mathematical Discovery, Juan FernáNdez GonzáLez, Dirk Schlimm

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

We present some aspects of the genesis of a geometric construction, which can be carried out with compass and straightedge, from the original idea to the published version (Fernández González 2016). The Midpoint Path Construction makes it possible to multiply the length of a line segment by a rational number between 0 and 1 by constructing only midpoints and a straight line. In the form of an interview, we explore the context and narrative behind the discovery, with first-hand insights by its author. Finally, we discuss some general aspects of this case study in the context of philosophy of mathematical …


Crocheting Mathematics Through Covid-19, Beyza C. Aslan Jul 2021

Crocheting Mathematics Through Covid-19, Beyza C. Aslan

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

As it is often said, something good often comes out of most bad situations. The time I spent during COVID-19, at home and isolated with my two children, brought out one secret passion in me: crocheting. Not only did it help me pass the time in a sane and productive way, but also it gave me a new goal in life. It connected my math side with my artistic side. It gave me a new perspective to look at math, and helped me help others see math in a positive way.


Making Art In Math Class During The Pandemic, Larson Fairbairn, Kameelah Jackson, Ksenija Simic-Muller Jul 2021

Making Art In Math Class During The Pandemic, Larson Fairbairn, Kameelah Jackson, Ksenija Simic-Muller

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

For many of us, the pandemic has changed how we teach and how we support students. This manuscript highlights creativity as a way to support for student mathematical and emotional well-being. It describes the positive impact that creative assignments in a mathematics content course for preservice K-8 teachers had on students during the early days of the pandemic. The story is told by the instructor and two former students in the course.


One Straight Line Addresses Another Traveling In The Same Direction On An Infinite Plane, Daniel W. Galef Jan 2021

One Straight Line Addresses Another Traveling In The Same Direction On An Infinite Plane, Daniel W. Galef

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.


Geometry Of Night, Jenny Patton Jan 2019

Geometry Of Night, Jenny Patton

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.


Descartes Comes Out Of The Closet, Nora E. Culik Jul 2017

Descartes Comes Out Of The Closet, Nora E. Culik

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

While “Descartes Comes Out of the Closet” is ostensibly about a young woman’s journey to Paris, the descriptive detail borrows language and images from Cartesian coordinate geometry, dualistic philosophy, neuroanatomy (the pineal), and projections of three dimensions onto planes. This mathematical universe is counterpointed in the natural language of the suppressed love story that locates the real in the human. Thus, at the heart of the story is the tension between competing notions of mathematics, i.e., as either an independent realm apart from history or as a culturally produced and historical set of practices. Of course, the central character proves …


Propeller, Joel Kahn Mar 2013

Propeller, Joel Kahn

The STEAM Journal

This image is based on several different algorithms interconnected within a single program in the language BASIC-256. The fundamental structure involves a tightly wound spiral working outwards from the center of the image. As the spiral is drawn, different values of red, green and blue are modified through separate but related processes, producing the changing appearance. Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and analytic geometry are all utilized in overlapping ways within the program. As with many works of algorithmic art, small changes in the program can produce dramatic alterations of the visual output, which makes lots of variations possible.