The Mathematicians Podcast

Where we explore the historical figures that count. An in-depth look at the history of mathematics, in chronological order, looking at the people, the theories, the ideas - with as fewer gaps as possible. Each episode we focus in on a single character or contribution to the history of maths and explore why it is significant, and how it evolved.

Episodes

Mar 5, 2025

1 hr 7 min

In today's episode we have a special treat as I sit down with Professor Peter Adamson to ask all of the questions that have been brewing over the past 10 weeks. Be prepared for significantly more expertise from a professional of philosophy and a podcast ledged himself.
 
You can find Peter's work at: https://historyofphilosophy.net/ , and I highly recommend that you do.
 
The Music is:
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mar 5, 2025

1 hr 7 min

Mar 12, 2025

25 min

This episode is modelled on the the form of the good, or at least the good podcast. Step out from the shadows of your caves and enjoy a dialogue on Plato. Sadly, there is nothing in this episode that you didn't already know, from before you were born - but perhaps I can help you to recollect it. 
The Music was:
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mar 12, 2025

25 min

Mar 19, 2025

22 min

Today we introduce the titular character from Plato's 7th greatest dialogue and discover the contributions he made to the 'Platonic' solids and more.
 
The music was:
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
 

Mar 19, 2025

22 min

Mar 26, 2025

22 min

This week we take an exhaustive look at the mathematician that invented calculus... arguably. We can certainly have that argument. So let us enjoy the good life, by taking pleasure in the pursuit of knowledge with Eudoxus.
The Music was:
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mar 26, 2025

22 min

Apr 2, 2025

26 min

There are a Myriad reasons to listen along this week as we explore the formation of ancient Greek number, as well as looking at early combinatorics with Xenocrates.
 
The music was:
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
 

Apr 2, 2025

26 min

Apr 9, 2025

19 min

Today we introduce the conic section, and it's iconic founder Menaechmus. A bit of a one trick pony, but my goodness what a trick that was. 
 
The Music was:
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Apr 9, 2025

19 min

Apr 16, 2025

19 min

This week we take a crucial next step into the history of algebra and simultaneous equations with the Bloom of Thymaridas. Listen along for a bloomin' good time!
 
The music was:
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Apr 16, 2025

19 min

Apr 23, 2025

20 min

This week we finally come full circle on the Quadratrix, and meet a man who was able to draw a square with equal area to the circle. Yes, that ancient problem finally gets solved: for a given definition of solved. Tune in to find out exactly how one does 'Square the Circle'.
 
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Apr 23, 2025

20 min

Apr 30, 2025

31 min

This week we have a big one! One of the greats, if not the greatest, philosophers of all time: Aristotle. We will explore how this philosopher-scientist also wears a heavy crown of mathematics, despite never publishing a work of maths. Tune in for discussions on logic, set theory, combinatorics and the ever interesting syllogism.
 
The music:
"Danse Macabre - Finale"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Apr 30, 2025

31 min

May 7, 2025

16 min

This week we look up to one of the most influential stargazers of all time. Autolycus, the very first non-Euclidean geometer, even before Euclid hit the scene. 
 
The music is: 
"Danse Macabre - Finale"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

May 7, 2025

16 min

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