While reading this piece, one thing that surprised me was the lack of acknowledgement of Arab contribution to not only European Mathematics but also to philosophy, natural sciences and medicine. I found this surprising based off of the fact that all of the math history I had learned prior to this class had only discussed European and Greek mathematicians or contributions to mathematics. It made me realize that even now, from what I have experienced, Arab contributions are not being talked about enough, despite being very important in the advancement of mathematics.
I also found the mention of how cultural and geographical barriers had very little hindrance on the cross-transmission of mathematical knowledge. I found this surprising as I would imagine the language, cultural and geographical barriers, especially during those ages would have made it difficult for transmission of knowledge to occur, particularly in math. Learning this gives me even more reason to be excited about math as I am reminded that mathematicians will go to great lengths to help make advancements in this field.
Finally I found the mention of the possibility that around two hundred and fifty years prior to European mathematicians deriving the infinite series for pi, Madhava of Kerala may have done it. I found this surprising as I have only ever heard mention of Europe's connection to pi, not that of medieval India. This finding makes me realize how important it is to teach math history, and how much I want to include it in my math teaching. Even if it is just small bits of information occasionally to provide correct historical information or present all possibilities if the history of the math is not entirely clear.
Yes! In 'traditional' Eurocentric accounts, the mathematics of the Islamic world, India, China, Central and South American cultures and others were pointedly ignored. It is certainly time to change that biased way of thinking and teaching!
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