Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Dean, Amanda Saxon
URN	etd-10292010-191923
Title	Identification and Analysis of Pedagogical Techniques in Descartes' La Géométrie
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Teacher Education, School of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Kathleen M. Clark Committee Chair Elizabeth Jakubowski Committee Member Leslie Aspinwall Committee Member
Keywords	Mathematics Mathematics Education René Descartes La Géométrie Pedagogical Techniques History of Mathematics Seventeenth Century Mathematics Geometry Analytic Geometry
Date of Defense	2010-10-13
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Much research has been conducted about the philosophy and mathematical writings of René Descartes, but that which focuses on pedagogy does so in a holistic manner. The present study uses a systematic approach to identify pedagogical techniques within each sentence of Descartes' La Géométrie. Next, the study provides an analysis of La Géométrie based on the techniques identified, their frequencies, and patterns of use within the text. The results of this analysis indicate that Descartes placed a high value on the use of demonstration, particularly in conjunction with deductive reasoning and multiple representations; that Descartes believed his method of approaching mathematical problems was superior to other methods; and that Descartes was in fact concerned with whether his readers understood his ideas or not.
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