Aiden Sagerman

Research Interests: History of mathematics; history of quantification; history of eugenics; history of the right; scientific internationalism; intellectual history.

Aiden Sagerman studies the histories of mathematics, quantification, and race and eugenics. His previous research has focused on the use of diagrams in twentieth century mathematics and ideals of mathematical modernism; on transnational collaboration in interwar eugenics; and on the recent rise of pronatalism in the United States.

Aiden holds a BA in Mathematics and Comparative Literature and Society from Columbia University and an MPhil in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine from the University of Cambridge, where he was a Gates Cambridge scholar.

Presentations:

“Modernisms through Practices: A History of Diagrams in Algebraic Topology, 1930s-1970s,” Masterclass in the Philosophy of Mathematical Practices, Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, June 2025.

“Algebra(s) for the ‘Average Mathematician’: Real Division Algebras as a Rhetorical Device in Frank Adams’ Proofs of Hopf Invariant One,” Luigi Maierù’s International School in the History of Mathematics, May 2025.

“Eugenic Internationalisms: Corrado Gini in the Interwar Americas,” 12th European Spring School on History of Science and Popularization: Science, History, and Globalization, May 2025

“We Have Never Been (Mathematically) Modern: Diagrammatic Practice, Algebraic Topology, and the Making of Mathematical High Modernism,” Modern History of Mathematics: Looking Ahead, Isaac Newton Institute, University of Cambridge, May 2025

Previous Degrees:

M.Phil., History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine, University of Cambridge;
B.A., Comparative Literature and Society, Mathematics, Columbia College