The Shaping of Deduction in Greek Mathematics: A Study in Cognitive History - Couverture rigide

Livre 9 sur 82: Ideas in Context

Netz, Reviel

 
9780521622790: The Shaping of Deduction in Greek Mathematics: A Study in Cognitive History

Synopsis

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.

Les informations fournies dans la section « Synopsis » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Revue de presse

' ... a necessary read for anyone interested in the history of Greek mathematics but will also be interesting to a wider audience, particularly philosophers of science and intellectual historians ... Netz has made an important contribution to intellectual history and has asked a diverse set of questions whose answers, while difficult, will broaden our understanding of the development of deductive practices.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review

'This is a fascinating and stimulating book ...'. Journal of Hellenic Studies

'... his views are sure not only to stimulate some interesting debates outside the philosophical community ... but also to give philosophers of science an exotic fruit to sink their teeth into.' Philosophical Writings

' ... very well written ... almost every sentence, indeed next to every clause, carries a message that asks for the reader's active thought. It can safely be recommended as s must to anybody who is genuinely interested in the relation between Greek mathematics and logic ...' Studia Logica

Présentation de l'éditeur

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.

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Autres éditions populaires du même titre

9780521541206: Shaping Deduction Greek Mathematics

Edition présentée

ISBN 10 :  0521541204 ISBN 13 :  9780521541206
Editeur : Cambridge University Press, 2008
Couverture souple