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Chapter 4 - Mathematics in the World

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2022

Reviel Netz
Affiliation:
Stanford University, California
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Summary

This chapter takes a step back and considers mathematics from a different angle: the mathematics closer to day-to-day practice. At the same time, the chapter brings forward the historical narrative by beginning to consider the science of the Roman era. The same duality will characterize the following (longer) chapter on astronomy, and both for a reason: in the centuries following the two breakout generations of Greek mathematics, most work in the exact sciences was concentrated on more “applied” mathematics and in particular on astronomy. It is therefore fitting that we begin with the author (not a mathematician but a historian) most emblematic of the turn from Greek to Roman: “Polybius, Introducing Applied Mathematics.”

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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  • Mathematics in the World
  • Reviel Netz, Stanford University, California
  • Book: A New History of Greek Mathematics
  • Online publication: 01 September 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108982801.005
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  • Mathematics in the World
  • Reviel Netz, Stanford University, California
  • Book: A New History of Greek Mathematics
  • Online publication: 01 September 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108982801.005
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Mathematics in the World
  • Reviel Netz, Stanford University, California
  • Book: A New History of Greek Mathematics
  • Online publication: 01 September 2022
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108982801.005
Available formats
×