Pythagoras

Pythagoras
Author: Christoph Riedweg
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Total Pages: 199
Release: 2012-03-27
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0801464846

One of the most important mathematical theorems is named after Pythagoras of Samos, but this semi-mythical Greek sage has more to offer than formulas. He is said to have discovered the numerical nature of the basic consonances and transposed the musical proportions to the cosmos, postulating a "harmony of the spheres." He may have coined the words "cosmos" and "philosophy." He is also believed to have taught the doctrine of transmigration of souls and therefore to have advised a vegetarian diet. Ancient legends have Pythagoras conversing with dogs, bears, and bulls. A distinctly Pythagorean way of life, including detailed ritual regulations, was observed by his disciples, who were organized as a secret society. Later, Pythagorean and Platonic teachings became fused. In this Platonized form, Pythagoreanism has remained influential through medieval Christianity and the Renaissance down to the present. Christoph Riedweg's book is an engaging introduction to the fundamental contributions of Pythagoras to the establishment of European culture. To penetrate the intricate maze of lore and ascertain what history can tell us about the philosopher, Riedweg not only examines the written record but also considers Pythagoras within the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual context of his times. The result is a vivid overview of the life and teachings of a crucial Greek thinker and his most important followers.

Pythagoras

Pythagoras
Author: Kitty Ferguson
Publisher: Icon Books Ltd
Total Pages: 286
Release: 2011-03-03
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1848312504

This is the story of Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans, whose insights transformed the ancient world and still inspire the realms of science, mathematics, philosophy and the arts. Einstein said that the most incredible thing about our universe was that it was comprehensible at all. As Kitty Ferguson explains, Pythagoras had much the same idea - but 2,500 years earlier. Though known by many only for his famous Theorem, in fact the pillars of our scientific tradition - belief that the universe is rational, that there is unity to all things, and that numbers and mathematics are a powerful guide to truth about nature and the cosmos - hark back to the convictions of this legendary scholar. Kitty Ferguson brilliantly evokes Pythagoras' ancient world of, showing how ideas spread in antiquity, and chronicles the incredible influence he and his followers have had on so many extraordinary people in the history of Western thought and science. 'Pythagoras' influence on the ideas, and therefore on the destiny, of the human race was probably greater than that of any single man before or after him' - Arthur Koestler.

Pythagoras

Pythagoras
Author: Christoph Riedweg
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Total Pages: 199
Release: 2011-11-11
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0801464900

One of the most important mathematical theorems is named after Pythagoras of Samos, but this semi-mythical Greek sage has more to offer than formulas. He is said to have discovered the numerical nature of the basic consonances and transposed the musical proportions to the cosmos, postulating a "harmony of the spheres." He may have coined the words "cosmos" and "philosophy." He is also believed to have taught the doctrine of transmigration of souls and therefore to have advised a vegetarian diet. Ancient legends have Pythagoras conversing with dogs, bears, and bulls. A distinctly Pythagorean way of life, including detailed ritual regulations, was observed by his disciples, who were organized as a secret society. Later, Pythagorean and Platonic teachings became fused. In this Platonized form, Pythagoreanism has remained influential through medieval Christianity and the Renaissance down to the present. Christoph Riedweg's book is an engaging introduction to the fundamental contributions of Pythagoras to the establishment of European culture. To penetrate the intricate maze of lore and ascertain what history can tell us about the philosopher, Riedweg not only examines the written record but also considers Pythagoras within the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual context of his times. The result is a vivid overview of the life and teachings of a crucial Greek thinker and his most important followers.

Pythagoras and the Early Pythagoreans

Pythagoras and the Early Pythagoreans
Author: Leonid Zhmud
Publisher: Oxford University Press (UK)
Total Pages: 516
Release: 2012-05-31
Genre: History
ISBN: 019928931X

In ancient tradition, Pythagoras emerges as a wise teacher, an outstanding mathematician, an influential politician, and as a religious and ethical reformer. This volume offers a comprehensive study of Pythagoras, Pythagoreanism, and the early Pythagoreans through an analysis of the many representations of the individual and his followers.

The Math Book

The Math Book
Author: Clifford A. Pickover
Publisher: Union Square + ORM
Total Pages: 937
Release: 2011-09-27
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 1402797494

The Neumann Prize–winning, illustrated exploration of mathematics—from its timeless mysteries to its history of mind-boggling discoveries. Beginning millions of years ago with ancient “ant odometers” and moving through time to our modern-day quest for new dimensions, The Math Book covers 250 milestones in mathematical history. Among the numerous delights readers will learn about as they dip into this inviting anthology: cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares from centuries ago, the discovery of pi and calculus, and the butterfly effect. Each topic is lavishly illustrated with colorful art, along with formulas and concepts, fascinating facts about scientists’ lives, and real-world applications of the theorems.

What's Your Angle, Pythagoras?

What's Your Angle, Pythagoras?
Author: Judy Ellis
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Total Pages: 35
Release: 2004-07-01
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1607341611

In ancient Greece, young Pythagoras discovers a special number pattern (the Pythagorean theorem) and uses it to solve problems involving right triangles.

Pythagoras

Pythagoras
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 74
Release: 1914
Genre: Philosophers
ISBN:

Pythagoras and the Ratios

Pythagoras and the Ratios
Author: Julie Ellis
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Total Pages: 35
Release: 2010-02-01
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1607341891

An ancient Greek boy, Pythagoras, helps his cousins produce pleasant music when he adjusts the mathematical ratios between the part of their pipes and lyres, knowledge he would later use to become a famous philosopher.

The Cult of Pythagoras

The Cult of Pythagoras
Author: Alberto A. Martinez
Publisher:
Total Pages: 264
Release: 2013-06-26
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 9780822962700

Martínez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics. Some stories are partly true, others are entirely false, but all show the power of invention in history. Martínez inspects a wealth of primary sources, in several languages, over a span of many centuries. By exploring disagreements and ambiguities in the history of the elements of mathematics, The Cult of Pythagoras dispels myths that obscure the actual origins of mathematical concepts. Chosen as a major selection by Scientific American Book Club (Library of Science(R))