>>11364137Yes and no: there are LOADS of great visualisations demonstrating mathematical concepts (see Google). However, understanding the basic concept of calculus as a measurement of change is not in any way comparable to having learned an area of mathematics (i.e. calculus). Graphical/geometric representations of ideas can help you to comprehend basic relationships but, without proper study, you can't claim to understand what you're seeing. If you try to explain these concepts to others, you will quickly realise how inadequate your understanding is. You may develop false confidence in your understanding, and you may start convincing yourself of unsound mathematical ideas and relationships. Maths students are less susceptible to this through their education, but you may never have to confront your mathematical illiteracy and are liable to pass it on to others with persuasion alone, if they are ignorant enough. If you want to avoid it altogether, I suggest you stick to reading philosophy texts and just regurgitate conventional knowledge. Otherwise, you will have to do what every other serious mathematical historian has to do and master pre-21st century mathematics. I highly recommend brushing up on high school maths and then referring to these resources:
NJ Wildberger - A Course in the History of Mathematics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW8Cy6WrO94&list=PL55C7C83781CF4316In conjunction with:
John Stillwell - Mathematics and its History (Springer, 3rd ed)
