The Mathematical Manuscripts are the least known work of Karl Marx, in which the rediscovery of mathematics coincided with the revival of Hegel’s Logic. They are primarily dedicated to the logical foundation of differential calculus. Marx’s method is historical-genetic, identical to that used in his critique of Political Economy. His aim is to derive the derivative directly from the process of variation of the function, so that its algebraic, real origin is met. In previous methods, the differentials were individual entities with substantial content. In Marx, instead, they are inseparable as numerator and denominator in the differential ratio, which is a unitary operational symbol indicating an ordered set of logical operations. This notion is strikingly similar to the modern concept of algorithm, making Marx a precursor of the modern computational mathematics.
The mathematics of Marx. In the bicentenary of the birth of Karl Marx (1818–1883).
Ricci Andrea
2018
Abstract
The Mathematical Manuscripts are the least known work of Karl Marx, in which the rediscovery of mathematics coincided with the revival of Hegel’s Logic. They are primarily dedicated to the logical foundation of differential calculus. Marx’s method is historical-genetic, identical to that used in his critique of Political Economy. His aim is to derive the derivative directly from the process of variation of the function, so that its algebraic, real origin is met. In previous methods, the differentials were individual entities with substantial content. In Marx, instead, they are inseparable as numerator and denominator in the differential ratio, which is a unitary operational symbol indicating an ordered set of logical operations. This notion is strikingly similar to the modern concept of algorithm, making Marx a precursor of the modern computational mathematics.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
