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A Tale of Three Cities: Thebes, Babylon, and Alexandria

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Handbook of the History and Philosophy of Mathematical Practice

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Abstract

The interface of the “scientific tradition” of mathematics with the traditions of American elementary education has grown in the past 200 years with state curriculum standards currently a highpoint of interactions. Episodes from the history of measure number provide a perspective suggesting current standards regarding the teaching of common fraction in American schools might be a bit wrongheaded and in need of reconsideration. Deeply rooted traditions are stubborn things, but the historical perspective provides clues for new directions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA

    Maurice Burke

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  1. Maurice Burke
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Correspondence to Maurice Burke .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA

    Bharath Sriraman

Section Editor information

  1. Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA

    Bharath Sriraman

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Burke, M. (2024). A Tale of Three Cities: Thebes, Babylon, and Alexandria. In: Sriraman, B. (eds) Handbook of the History and Philosophy of Mathematical Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-40846-5_100

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