BBC Radio 4 Extra

A Brief History of Mathematics

A Brief History of Mathematics: Georg Cantor

Georg Cantor

BBC Radio 4 Extra - A Brief History of Mathematics, Georg Cantor

Professor Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics drives science.

Marcus du Sautoy argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science: Georg Cantor, numbers and infinity.

This ten part history of mathematics from Newton to the present day, reveals the personalities behind the calculations: the passions and rivalries of mathematicians struggling to get their ideas heard. Professor Marcus du Sautoy shows how these masters of abstraction find a role in the real world and proves that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science. 

Today, Georg Cantor, the mathematician who showed us how to carry on counting when the numbers run out. An insight into the nature of infinity that Roger Penrose believes helps to explain why the human brain will always be cleverer than artificial intelligence. 

Producer: Anna Buckley    

From 2010.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Documentaries

Factual: History

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Professor Marcus du Sautoy reveals the personalities behind the calculations.

Professor of Mathematics Marcus du Sautoy reveals the personalities behind the calculations and argues that mathematics is the driving force behind modern science.

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

A Brief History of Mathematics

Georg Cantor

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra