Numeracy: Historical, philosophical and educational perspectives
St Anne’s College, Oxford
Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 December 2009 (lunchtime to lunchtime).
In recent years studies of the history of mathematics have turned increasing attention to the mathematical experiences of ordinary people and to the teaching, learning and using of mathematics which takes place outside elite contexts and away from individuals who might ordinarily identify themselves as mathematicians. At the same time a focus exists in the educational world on the key skill of numeracy, its nature and its acquisition. Philosophers of mathematics have long been interested in the nature of our understanding of numbers and numerical operations and the nature of basic arithmetical knowledge.
This conference seeks to bring together these different approaches to numeracy, in order to share insights about what numeracy is, how we can recognise it (or its absence), how it relates to other cognitive capacities and other fundamental questions concerning basic numerical abilities. It will also provide a forum for the discussion of detailed case studies from the different realms of history, philosophy, and education, which will, it is hoped, prove mutually stimulating and fruitful for new interactions between these fields.
Novel and/or interdisciplinary approaches are particularly welcomed, and we can accept pertinent studies based on any historical period or geographical region.
Confirmed invited speakers:
Philosophy: Marcus Giaquinto (University College, London); Stephen Laurence (University of Sheffield)
History: Natasha Glaisyer (York University); Jane Wess (Science Museum, London); Kathryn James (Yale)
Education: Terezinha Nunes (University of Oxford); Tom Roper (University of Leeds)
The cost will be £100, and will include two nights’ B&B accommodation at St Anne’s College, and attendance at the conference dinner on the 17th (a reduced rate of £50 will apply to students and to those who do not require overnight accommodation).
To propose a paper for consideration please send the title and abstract (approximately 200 words), together with your name and affiliation, in the body of an email to the address below. The deadline for the receipt of proposals is 31 July; every effort will be made to make decisions by 15 September. Speaking slots will be of 30 minutes, including time for questions.
Non-speaking delegates are also very welcome: to reserve a place please email the address below.
Organiser:
Dr Benjamin Wardhaugh
All Souls College
Oxford OX1 4AL
UK
benjamin.wardhaugh@all-souls.ox.ac.uk
