Refection on Assignment 3

 

I was very happy to collaborate with Manveen on this project. Our third assignment allowed us to reflect on women's development in mathematics during the 18th century—a time when the challenges they faced were unimaginable by today's standards. Through the story of Maria Agnesi, I realized that she was not only exceptionally talented but also incredibly fortunate for her era. However, despite her achievements, she remained marginalized. In 18th- and 19th-century mathematical histories, her contributions were often diminished or wholly omitted. While mathematicians like Lagrange and Euler were frequently celebrated, Agnesi’s work was largely overlooked, highlighting the systemic biases of her time.

Reflecting on our presentation, I see much room for improvement. First, we should have explored Agnesi's childhood and background more deeply. Her upbringing and environment profoundly influenced her later achievements. Yet, we focused primarily on the origins of the Witch of Agnesi curve, neglecting how her circumstances shaped her career and decisions.

Secondly, when discussing her later years, we noted that she shifted her focus from mathematics to charity, religion, and helping others, particularly women. However, we didn’t convey this transition enough. These pursuits revealed a different dimension of her life, showing how she prioritized social responsibility over academic recognition. A more comprehensive narrative would have helped the audience appreciate her entire story.

We could have also delved deeper into the Witch of Agnesi curve itself, elaborating on its contributions to the history of mathematics and its applications in fields such as statistical modeling, optics, and calculus. Providing these details would have enriched our presentation.

Lastly, our artwork had potential, but my decision to add a string to emphasize the lines diminished its original clarity. In hindsight, using thicker lines or sticking to the initial design might have been more effective. This aspect, too, had room for refinement.

That said, I gained so much from my classmates’ presentations. The class provided a rare and supportive environment where everyone worked on assignments with genuine enjoyment rather than stress. Susan and my peers continually encouraged me, and I sincerely appreciated how attentively everyone listened and participated. This positive atmosphere is something I will always cherish and remember fondly.