Philosophical, multicultural and interdisciplinary issues

Abstract

School mathematics reflects the wider aspect of mathematics as a cultural activity. From the philosophical point of view, mathematics must be seen as a human activity both done within individual cultures and also standing outside any particular one. From the interdisciplinary point of view, students find their understanding both of mathematics and their other subjects enriched through the history of mathematics. From the cultural point of view, mathematical evolution comes from a sum of many contributions growing from different cultures.