An Analysis On ’Li’ In East Asian Traditional Mathematics

Relative to western mathematics, East-Asian mathematics shows algorithm tendency which appears on the emphasis to algorithm.lacking of theory proved. The former research into the history of East-Asian mathematics concentrated on interpreting tradition mathematics knowledge by modern mathematics, there is seldom systematically research into traditional mathematical thoughts. This article attempts to analyze the traditional mathematical thoughts systematically with ’Li’(理)as a centre by interpreting some typical mathematical text such as JiuZhangSuanShu, ShuShuJiuZhang. Tetsujutsu Sankei, Daisei Sankei, Shizen Sanpo.Li contains two meanings in East-Asian mathematics, one refers to the theory of algorithm which presents the theory system of East-Asian mathematics, the other refers to the law of the universe which leads to the understanding of metaphysics. This two meanings integrated by East-Asian mathematicians, forming the characteristic East-Asian mathematical culture.