Mathematics is often framed as an introvert, abstract, unworldly research area. Yet, in our course we want to point out (a) the impact of mathematics on society and culture in recent history and (b) the extent to which key mathematicians of the 20^th century where actually very open to what was happening in the outside world and in culture more generally. This may explain the extent to which modern mathematics (via computational methods, big computers, algorithms, etc.) has had an impact on revolutionary developments in other fields, notably the life sciences (computational biology) and ICT.
By opting for an (auto-)biographical approach, challenges, visions and dilemmas of modern mathematics are made more tangible and concrete. (Auto-) biographies provide a window into the normative dilemmas and paradigm shifts in which prominent mathematicians were intensely involved. They present mathematics as a dynamic, committed and 'human' research field.
Every participant will be invited to analyze the biography of on particular key player in the recent history of mathematics. These biographies will be analyzed from a philosophical perspective, focusing on normative dilemmas, paradigm shifts and world views of the key protagonists involved. How did they address questions such as: what is science, what is truth, what is knowledge, and what is the role of science and scientists in contemporary knowledge societies?