Maths education seminar: Richard Crossman on Mathematical Decolonisation
| Dates: | 16 March 2026 |
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| Times: | 14:00 - 15:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Department of Mathematics |
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| Who is it for: | University staff |
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| Speaker: | Richard Crossman |
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Speaker: Richard Crossman (University of Durham)
Title: Bring Down The Barricades! Clearing A Path For Mathematical Decolonisation
Abstract: The process of decolonising higher education is international, cross-institutional, and multidisciplinary. This makes a one-size-fits-all approach inappropriate; careful consideration must be given to what decolonisation means, and how it can be progressed, in each field. A major barrier to decolonising the mathematical sciences is the common argument that there exists nothing to decolonise, given the universality of our number system, and rigorous logic required of any mathematical result. This argument holds that political considerations such as decolonisation cannot have relevance in our discipline.
In this talk, I will discuss how this argument misunderstands not only decolonisation, but the discipline of mathematics itself. I will then make the case for why decolonising mathematics is, far from being a pointless endeavour, actually vital for the future of our discipline. I will conclude with some suggestions as to how those yet to begin considering how they can decolonise their classroom/modules/departments may wish to make a start.
Speaker
Richard Crossman
Role: Associate Professor
Organisation: Durham University
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
G.114
Alan Turing Building
Manchester
