TY - JOUR
T1 - The role of geometrical construction in Theodosius's Spherics
AU - Sidoli, Nathan
AU - Saito, Ken
PY - 2009/10
Y1 - 2009/10
N2 - This paper is a contribution to our understanding of the constructive nature of Greek geometry. By studying the role of constructive processes in Theodoius's Spherics, we uncover a difference in the function of constructions and problems in the deductive framework of Greek mathematics. In particular, we show that geometric problems originated in the practical issues involved in actually making diagrams, whereas constructions are abstractions of these processes that are used to introduce objects not given at the outset, so that their properties can be used in the argument. We conclude by discussing, more generally, ancient Greek interests in the practical methods of producing diagrams.
AB - This paper is a contribution to our understanding of the constructive nature of Greek geometry. By studying the role of constructive processes in Theodoius's Spherics, we uncover a difference in the function of constructions and problems in the deductive framework of Greek mathematics. In particular, we show that geometric problems originated in the practical issues involved in actually making diagrams, whereas constructions are abstractions of these processes that are used to introduce objects not given at the outset, so that their properties can be used in the argument. We conclude by discussing, more generally, ancient Greek interests in the practical methods of producing diagrams.
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U2 - 10.1007/s00407-009-0045-2
DO - 10.1007/s00407-009-0045-2
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:70449532464
VL - 63
SP - 581
EP - 609
JO - Archive for History of Exact Sciences
JF - Archive for History of Exact Sciences
SN - 0003-9519
IS - 6
ER -