Actually, the Arabs did not invent the zero. It was used by the Chinese, the Babylonians, the Mayans and the Hindus. An Arab scholar (Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khawarazmi) travelled to India in the ninth century and subsequently wrote a text book on the subject. The earliest recorded use of the zero was in Babylonian times, but the use most closely identified with the manner conceptualized by western culture corresponds to the Hindu--even though it required the genius of Khawarazmi to truly give it power.
The Arab world flourished in Mathematics and astronomy from the 9th to the 11th century, chiefly due to their building upon the Greek mathematics to create algebra, and again, due to the genius of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khawarazmi. European scholars (chiefly Christian) began translating the astronomy and mathematical texts. There was a translation college in Toledo, Spain where this work was primarily carried out.
"we condescend to a culture that invented math and astronomy at a time when ours were squatting in caves speaking Gaelic"
The Arab world has contributed a great deal to modern life. So have the Chinese and the Indian and the Native American--and, indeed, all cultures. The words and tone of the poster to whom you were responding seem to indicate some contempt based on culture or race. If the intent is fairly understood, it is very unfortunate. It merely creates a schism between people and separates them from whatever dignity and worth they have earned.
The task of human survival is not one for a particular color or race; Instead, it is one for the species. The tapestry of human survival is being woven with the threads of human ideas. The ideas are not better or worse for race or color; Instead, the manner of their contribution relates to their sanity--or to their madness: Superstition and fear, versus rationality and understanding.
The supernatural is subjective, invented, and divisive of all people. The natural and rational unites all people in common understanding, and allows every human being to justify his/her existence and RIGHTS before others. Supernaturalism divides humanity into imaginary value systems and goals, and is mediated with the sword. Rationality acts as a basis for commonality, for understanding, for agreeement, and for empathy--and is mediated through reason. Humankind must make her choice.
Damn! This always happens when I have a bottle of wine with breakfast. But I will let it stand as cabernet sermon #17 <g> |
