2024/07/18 by Timothy C. Johnson, Johnson, Timothy C.
Arts and Humanities · #01A45 60-03 #FOS: Mathematics #History and Overview (math.HO) #Theology and Philosophy of Evil
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2407.13312
openalex publication_date 2024/07/18 · openalex created_date 2025/01/04 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This paper attributes the sudden emergence of mathematical probability and statistics in the second half of the seventeenth century to Calvin's Reformed theology. Calvin accommodated Epicurean chance with Stoic determinism and synthesised phronesis/prudentia, founded personal experience and employed to deal with tyche/fortuna, and episteme/scientia, universal knowledge. This meant that matters of chance, which had previously been considered too particular for mathematical treatment, became part of episteme/scientia. Clear evidence of the significance of Calvin in mathematics is in the facts that Huygens considered using the word 'hope' to describe mathematical expectation and French mathematics still uses espérance for mathematical expectation. Calvin asserted that Hope represented a universal, objective and indubitable idea making it characteristic of mathematics. The argument is built on a review of how the ideas of Hope, Faith and Prudence have evolved in European thought that highlights Calvin's innovations. The conclusion identifies contemporary issues in the application of mathematics in society that are illuminated in light of Calvin's doctrine.