Mathesis universalis

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Mathesis universalis (Latin) describes the idea of ​​a universal mathematics developed by René Descartes , with which everything is to be explained that is subject to order or measure, and in which the deductive method of logic serves as a universal means of knowledge. Descartes is influenced by the algebraic methods popular in 17th century mathematics (see: Franciscus Vieta and logistica speciosa ).

By Leibniz , the idea was the mathesis universalis to a characteristica universalis further developed a formalized scientific language. The mathesis universalis is also the basis of his concept of the calculus ratiocinator , a formalized logic calculus.

The idea of mathesis universalis anticipated both mathematical logic and a conception of mathematics that was characteristic of the logicism of the 19th and 20th centuries.

For Norbert Wiener's cybernetics as well as Bertalanffy's general system theory, mathesis universalis is an important orientation when formulating the general system principles.

literature

  • Jürgen Mittelstraß : Descartes' idea of ​​a Mathesis universalis. Perspectives of Philosophy: New Yearbook 1978/4, pp. 177-178.
  • Heinrich Scholz : Mathesis universalis. Schwabe 1961.

Individual evidence

  1. Norbert Wiener "Cybernetik" econ 1963 p. 33 and Ludwig von Bertalanffy "General system theory. Paths to a Mathesis universalis" in Deutsche Universitätszeitung 5/6 (1957) p. 8-12