The mathematical Counter-Reformation. Constitution and diffusion of a Jesuit mathematical culture during the Renaissance (1540--1640) (Q2768904)

The Society of Jesus was founded by Ignatius de Loyola and recognized in 1540 by pope Paul III. The first century of its existence was marked by rapid expansion and by serious opposition, in particular from non-Catholics who saw in the order a dangerous part of the Contra-reformation. At the same time the period 1540-1640 is crucial in the history of science: Aristotelianism was in decline, a natural philosophy in which mathematics played a central role was being developed, and with Galilei, Descartes, Kepler and others the scientific revolution gained irresistable momentum. NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEBecause education has always been one of the major activities of the Jesuit order and mathematicians like Mersenne and Descartes were educated at Jesuit colleges, the attitude of the Jesuits with respect to mathematics is necessarily an interesting subject for historical investigation. NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEIn the first part of this book the author deals in great detail with the position of mathematics in the Collegio Romano, the Roman educational centre of the Jesuits. Here Christoph Clavius played an absolutely crucial role. It is impressive to see how he consistently promoted mathematics in an environment where the conviction that mathematics needed considerable attention was not generally shared. On the other hand, his success was limited. NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEIn the second part of the book she turns to the position of mathematics in the Jesuit colleges in France in the second half of the 16th century. She convincingly shows that the idea that Rome could dictate what happened in France is naive. Local circumstances like the opposition between catholics and protestants, between church and politics and conflicts with the French kings had a decisive influence. For example, after a student from the Jesuit college in Clermont tried to kill the king in 1594 almost all Jesuit colleges were closed. As for mathematics the result was disappointing: contrary to what is sometimes suggested in France in the second half of the 16th century within the order there was no noticeable clear policy to promote mathematics. Yet, individual Jesuits studied and discussed mathematics. The author mentions Jean Chastelier, who had his own network of Jesuit mathematicians. NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEIn the third part of the book she deals with mathematics in the Jesuit colleges in France in the first half of the 17th century. In 1603 Henri IV, King of France, gave the Jesuits permission to (re-)establish colleges in a considerable number of French cities. At the same time Henri IV saw his edict as a means to control the Jesuits. The first half of the 17th century is in France the period in which chairs for mathematics were established: ten of them between 1603 and 1637. The interest in mathematics was clearly growing. Yet, the author shows that the Jesuit mathematicians involved were not among the great innovators of that time. However, they were great educators. The college in La Flèche was founded in 1603, Chastelier was the first to be in charge there, and both Mersenne and Descartes studied there. NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEThe author has written a valuable and thorough book, an important step towards a fuller understanding of the early Jesuit involvement with mathematics.