Interview with Professor Amir Alexander

Amir Alexander is a historian of mathematics and science at the University of California, Los Angeles, known for his work on the cultural and political forces that shape mathematical and scientific ideas. He is the author of several widely read books, including Infinitesimal, Proof! and Geometrical Landscapes, which explore how concepts like rigor, calculation, and spatial thinking developed in dialogue with broader social and historical currents. His writing has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and he is recognized for making the history of mathematics accessible and compelling to both scholars and general readers. Through his research, Alexander highlights the deep connections between mathematical thought and the cultural worlds from which it emerges.

In our interview, we discussed his new-(ish) book, Liberty's Grid, published in 2024, especially regarding the decisions made by Thomas Jefferson, what-if scenarios, as well as some further background.