Ethnomathematics

Under Ethnomathematics refers to a younger discipline of mathematics that studies in an interdisciplinary context with other disciplines such as anthropology and ethnology mathematical or proto- mathematical concepts and operations in their cultural context.

Subject

The ethnomathematics examines types of symbolization of numbers, amounts and ratios of counting and calculating, perspectivization, classification and measurement of time and space and other recyclable to mathematical concepts of cognitive or physical operations on the basis of practices such as game dance, music and ritual actions, in the order of kinship and social relations, in industry and agriculture, handicrafts, art and architecture.

Concept and relationship to the history of mathematics

The conventional history of mathematics is usually a universalist and teleological concept based on looking at the older and non-European cultures from the viewpoint of their education universal mathematical skills that are developed the same for all men are created equal, but not all cultures and European in the should have achieved by the Indian and Arabic tradition influenced development its highest level of development.

In contrast, the Ethnomathematics is a relativistic or multiculturalist approach, which in a given culture, ethnicity or social group defined its own particular expression of mathematical abilities in light of their specific cultural, social and institutional character and its for this culture (ethnicity, group) relevant development considered. Continuity is the intention to counteract a Euro -centric concept of mathematics, to improve knowledge and understanding of supposedly primitive forms of mathematics and also to gain didactic and pedagogical actionable insights about the appropriation and mediation of mathematical skills.

History

The Ethnomathematics has antecedents in the history of mathematics and ethnology, but was introduced as a concept and a discipline since the '70s largely by the Brazilian mathematician Ubiratan D' Ambrosio. It is now represented mainly to U.S. and Latin American universities, but also in African and European teaching and research activities.