The Social System of Mathematics and National Socialism

A Survey

Bibliographic Data

ID2274184
AuthorsHerbert Mehrtens (Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, corresponding author)
Year1987
Volume57
Issue2
Pages159-182
Publication date1987-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Inquiry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-0245 • E-ISSN: 1475-682X
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1475-682x.1987.tb01040.x
OpenAlexW2052117142
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited7

This paper offers an historical survey of problems arising in German mathematics during the rise and rule of National Socialism. Underlying this effort is the goal of developing a theoretical understanding of the social history of scientific disciplines in modern societies. The first part of the paper gives a brief description of the social system of mathematics and the characteristics of National Socialism. Second, an analysis of the background and structure of the attempt to construct a 'German' mathematics related to Nazi-ideology is given. This appears as an anti-modemist movement prompted by the rise of mathematical formalism. The basic relations between mathematical and political thought are analyzed and the reasons for the failure of the 'German' movement discussed. The third section examines the integration of mathematics into Nazi-German society, focusing on the twin processes of adaptation and resistance by professional societies. It is argued that social differentiation within the system of mathematics, as well as its modern cognitive and social universality, were preconditions of adaptation

Epistemology · German · Ideology · Nazism · Political science · Politics · Social science · Socialism · Sociology · Universality (dynamical systems) · German Social Sciences and History · History · History and Theory of Mathematics · Law · Philosophy, Science, and History

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