The History and Beauty of Mathematics

The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, and similar channels all have shows devoted to science. Some of these shows are part of a larger series, others are one- or two-hour-long specials. The topics contained within this genre are vast, too many to list here. Many shows are about the cosmos, Einstein, and technological advances of the future. What ties these topics together, and many other topics, is physics. These shows will be filled with the commentary of physicists. Though physics does not have a series devoted to its explanation, there are enough programs out there that such a series would be unnecessary.

Anyone knowledgeable in physics will notice the absence of one thing when watching all these programs: Mathematics. This is understandably so; mathematics is not something one can mindlessly grasp in an hour via a TV show. But why the absence of a series devoted to mathematics? Not once have I seen a show devoted to the explanation of a topic of mathematics. Perhaps producers said it cannot be done, the topic is too complicated to attract viewers. If the topic were presented in a textbook style, then I would agree there would be few viewers.

This is where things can get interesting. Take this for an example: If one watches The History Channel's series "The Universe," one does not walk away anywhere close to becoming an astrophysicist. So why can we not show the beauty of mathematics to those who are unfamiliar with the discipline? It can be done by focusing on the history of mathematics and the consequences of discoveries. It could be titled "The History and Beauty of Mathematics."

The history of mathematics is littered with characters whose tales can certainly entertain an audience. Take Pythagoras for example, known for his Pythagorean Theorem taught to all 7th graders in the country. That theorem led to the discovery of irrational numbers, attributed to the Pythagorean Hippasus. Many not familiar with college-level mathematics can still grasp this concept, because most are familiar with square roots, which are irrational numbers. Continuing with Pythagoras, he had created a philosophy, which was quasi-religious, based on everything being capable of description using rational numbers, e.g., 1, 2/3, 3.1488. The discovery of irrational numbers caused controversy within Pythagoras' school. All were forbidden to speak of them, lest outsider should find out and ridicule their philosophy. Not much is known about Hippasus' fate; some accounts say he was drowned, others say he was merely expelled. All this over the square root of two!

There are many more interesting stories: Is mathematics created or discovered?; The battle between Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibnitz over who discovered calculus; Evariste Galois rushing to write down his discoveries in mathematics the night before he would die in a duel.

What I have presented thus far is a history of mathematics, which may appeal to some, but certainly doesn’t seem to be the most entertaining of shows. What attracts viewers to shows about science is that afterwards they feel as though they know a little more about a weighty topic. Understanding precepts of relativity certainly gives the layperson a boost in intellectual confidence. This is what I hope to achieve with this proposed series. I want the viewer to watch the history of Pythagoras and understand the implications of irrational numbers. Learn about Euler's number and how important it is to mathematics. Understand how calculus changed mathematics and science.

It is a mistake for producers to assume there is not an audience for mathematics. If there is an audience who will watch Dr. Michio Kaku explain superconductivity and its implications, then surely that same audience will not change the channel if that program is followed by one on the beauty of mathematics. There are many who rely heavily on mathematics in their work environment, and they may be intrigued by the history of what they view as a tool used to complete a task. There are also many students and former students who have a background in college-level mathematics. They may also be interested in learning mathematics outside of a classroom, where there is no pressure to learn. Mathematics has developed a stigma due to the classroom learning process. Students are taught methods for solving problems without ever really understanding what the implications of the theorems are. A show like this would have virtual every teacher of mathematics telling their students "If you want to understand this topic further, then watch 'The History and Beauty of Mathematics'."