Entrance Post: Was Pythagoras Chinese?

    In the passage Was Pythagoras Chinese, Ross Gustafson examines the beginnings of mathematical knowledge, challenging the idea that mathematics is mostly a European tradition. Students' learning can be significantly impacted by appreciating non-European influences on mathematics since it helps them see mathematics as a huge, international entity. Students from non-European origins may feel alienated by a Eurocentric narrative, yet this openness promotes cultural understanding. Students have a deeper connection to mathematics when they see that it reflects who they are and their cultures, making it less theoretical and more personal in significance.

    Another important thing to consider is how mathematical ideas, such as "Pythagorean Theorem" or "Pascal's Triangle," are named. The history of these concepts is sometimes ignored by the widespread usage of these terminology in Western curricula. For instance, Ancient civilizations in China, India, and Mesopotamia were aware of the link between a right triangle's sides long before Pythagoras did. In a similar vein, "Pascal's Triangle" was present in Chinese and Persian mathematical writings long before Blaise Pascal investigated it.

    As future teachers, we assist children by viewing mathematics as a human accomplishment. This inclusive approach might emphasize mathematics as a topic in which was created jointly over time and cultures. This approach also encourages interest and appreciation for different these differences in cultures. Furthermore, by challenging the established norm and valuing multiple viewpoints, these titles encourages students to critically examine stories from history.

**EDIT**

    The Pythagorean Theorem and Pascal's Triangle, have names that, in my opinion, show a Eurocentric bias in the way mathematical history is taught. How much credit European leaders receive for concepts that existed in other civilizations long before their time does astounds me. For instance, knowing that the relationship between the sides of a right triangle was understood in ancient China, India, and Mesopotamia long before Pythagoras makes me wonder why we still call it that.