The Shaping of Deduction in Greek Mathematics A Study in Cognitive History [Paperback]

An examination of the emergence of the phenomenon of deductive argument in classical Greek mathematics.This book provides a way into understanding a momentous development in human intellectual history: the phenomenon of deductive argument in classical Greek mathematics. The argument rests upon a close description of the practices of Greek mathematics, principally the use of lettered diagrams and the regulated, formulaic use of language.This book provides a way into understanding a momentous development in human intellectual history: the phenomenon of deductive argument in classical Greek mathematics. The argument rests upon a close description of the practices of Greek mathematics, principally the use of lettered diagrams and the regulated, formulaic use of language.This book provides a way to understand a momentous development in human intellectual history: the phenomenon of deductive argument in classical Greek mathematics. The argument rests on a close description of the practices of Greek mathematics, principally the use of lettered diagrams and the regulated, formulaic use of language.Introduction: a specimen of Greek mathematics; 1. The lettered diagram; 2. The pragmatics of letters; 3. The mathematical lexicon; 4. Formulae; 5. The shaping of necessity; 6. The shaping of generality; 7. The historical setting; Appendix: the main Greek mathematicians cited in the book. Reviel Netz has written a stimulating book about diagrams and mathematics, telling us facts that we all know, but hardly ever thought of. MAA Online ...a novel work...Greek intellectual culture will be of interest to many classicists...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. Daryn Lehoux, University of Toronto Netz's book has made this reviewer look at Greek mathematics with new eyes, and it will certainly provoke further lC!