Welcome to Mathematicalia, a website dedicated to exploring premodern philosophical and mathematical thought. Here, we delve into the history of philosophy and science within the Latin-speaking world. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into this field or looking to navigate my research interests, you will find a variety of resources, updates, and information to guide you.
Have you ever thought about the link between geometry and physics? Have you ever wondered about how our conception of quantity shaped our account of reality? Are you curious about when humanity first started imagining the physical world as a realm governed by mathematical principles? If so, you are in good company!
Atom-sized introduction
I am Clelia Crialesi, the person behind this webpage. My work focuses on premodern philosophy and the history of science, with research interests ranging from philosophical accounts of quantity to mathematical abstraction, ideas of extension in the late Middle Ages, and early medieval number theory. The questions driving my inquiry include: What is a point? How do we transition from physical to mathematical quantity?
I was born and raised in Rome. Currently, I live in Paris, which I consider my second home. I’ve also lived in Toronto and Leuven.
I like practicing Ashtanga yoga and jogging.
MUCH ado about a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action
In September 2024, I visited Warsaw, the birthplace of Marie Skłodowska-Curie, to pay tribute to the radioactivity scientist and first female Nobel laureate. Why? Because in October, I kicked off my new research project, MUCH, funded by the European Commission through the MSCA grant scheme.
MUCH aims to unpack the link between premodern algebraic practices, the philosophical notion of quantity, and the epistemic procedure of abstraction – focusing on 14th-century Italy. It is hosted by the CNRS lab SPHERE and the University of Nijmegen.