The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem
Thales, Pythagoras, Engineering, Diagrams, and the Construction of the Cosmos out of Right Triangles
By Robert Hahn | Publisher: State University of New York Press
About the book
Bringing together geometry and philosophy, this book undertakes a strikingly original study of the origins and significance of the Pythagorean theorem. Thales, whom Aristotle called the first philosopher and who was an older contemporary of Pythagoras, posited the principle of a unity from which all things come, and back into which they return upon dissolution. He held that all appearances are only alterations of this basic unity and there can be no change in the cosmos. Such an account requires some fundamental geometric figure out of which appearances are structured. Robert Hahn argues that Thales came to the conclusion that it was the right triangle: by recombination and repackaging, all alterations can be explained from that figure. This idea is central to what the discovery of the Pythagorean theorem could have meant to Thales and Pythagoras in the sixth century BCE. With more than two hundred illustrations and figures, Hahn provides a series of geometric proofs for this lost narrative, tracing it from Thales to Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans who followed, and then finally to Plato's Timaeus. Uncovering the philosophical motivation behind the discovery of the theorem, Hahn's book will enrich the study of ancient philosophy and mathematics alike.
Editions of The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438464893
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438464909
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438464916
Read an Excerpt
Bringing together geometry and philosophy, this book undertakes a strikingly original study of the origins and significance of the Pythagorean theorem. Thales, whom Aristotle called the first philosopher and who was an older contemporary of Pythagoras, posited the principle of a unity from which all things come, and back into which they return upon dissolution. He held that all appearances are only alterations of this basic unity and there can be no change in the cosmos. Such an account requires some fundamental geometric figure out of which appearances are structured. Robert Hahn argues that Thales came to the conclusion that it was the right triangle: by recombination and repackaging, all alterations can be explained from that figure. This idea is central to what the discovery of the Pythagorean theorem could have meant to Thales and Pythagoras in the sixth century BCE. With more than two hundred illustrations and figures, Hahn provides a series of geometric proofs for this lost narrative, tracing it from Thales to Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans who followed, and then finally to Plato's Timaeus. Uncovering the philosophical motivation behind the discovery of the theorem, Hahn's book will enrich the study of ancient philosophy and mathematics alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem about?
Bringing together geometry and philosophy, this book undertakes a strikingly original study of the origins and significance of the Pythagorean theorem. Thales, whom Aristotle called the first philosopher and who was an older contemporary of Pythagoras, posited the principle of a unity from which all things come, and back into which they return upon dissolution. He held that all appearances are only alterations of this basic unity and there can be no change in the cosmos. Such an account requires some fundamental geometric figure out of which appearances are structured. Robert Hahn argues that Thales came to the conclusion that it was the right triangle: by recombination and repackaging, all alterations can be explained from that figure. This idea is central to what the discovery of the Pythagorean theorem could have meant to Thales and Pythagoras in the sixth century BCE. With more than two hundred illustrations and figures, Hahn provides a series of geometric proofs for this lost narrative, tracing it from Thales to Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans who followed, and then finally to Plato's Timaeus. Uncovering the philosophical motivation behind the discovery of the theorem, Hahn's book will enrich the study of ancient philosophy and mathematics alike.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Philosophical traditions and schools of thought > Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy
Where can I read a sample of The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438464893
How long is The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem and how many pages does it have?
The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem has 300 page(s)
Is The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Ancient Greek Philosophy
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem?
Robert Hahn
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438464893) and paperback(ISBN 9781438464909) and pdf(ISBN 9781438464916)
Where can I buy The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Metaphysics of the Pythagorean Theorem?