The aim of this book is to explain the shape of Greek mathematical thinking. It can be read on three levels: as a description of the practices of Greek mathematics; as a theory of the emergence of the deductive method; and as a case-study for a general view on the history of science. The starting po...

Full description

Bibliographic Details

Main Author:	Netz, Reviel 1968- (Author)
Format:	Electronic eBook
Language:	English
Published:	Cambridge Cambridge University Press 1999
Series:	Ideas in context 51
Subjects:	Mathematics, Greek Logic Deduktion Mathematik Griechenland > Altertum
Online Access:	BSB01 FHN01 Volltext
Summary:	The aim of this book is to explain the shape of Greek mathematical thinking. It can be read on three levels: as a description of the practices of Greek mathematics; as a theory of the emergence of the deductive method; and as a case-study for a general view on the history of science. The starting point for the enquiry is geometry and the lettered diagram. Reviel Netz exploits the mathematicians' practices in the construction and lettering of their diagrams, and the continuing interaction between text and diagram in their proofs, to illuminate the underlying cognitive processes. A close examination of the mathematical use of language follows, especially mathematicians' use of repeated formulae. Two crucial chapters set out to show how mathematical proofs are structured and explain why Greek mathematical practice manages to be so satisfactory. A final chapter looks into the broader historical setting of Greek mathematical practice
Item Description:	Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015)
Physical Description:	1 online resource (xvii, 327 pages)
ISBN:	9780511543296
DOI:	10.1017/CBO9780511543296