Feke, Jacqueline,

Ptolemy's philosophy : mathematics as a way of life / Jacqueline Feke. - 1 online resource

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction -- 2. Defining the Sciences -- 3. Knowledge or Conjecture -- 4. Mathematics and the Good Life -- 5. Harmonia -- 6. Harmonics and Astronomy -- 7. Mathematizing the Human Soul -- 8. Astrology and Cosmology -- 9. Conclusion.

The Greco-Roman mathematician Claudius Ptolemy is one of the most significant figures in the history of science. He is remembered today for his astronomy, but his philosophy is almost entirely lost to history. This groundbreaking book is the first to reconstruct Ptolemy's general philosophical system--including his metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics--and to explore its relationship to astronomy, harmonics, element theory, astrology, cosmology, psychology, and theology. In this stimulating intellectual history, Jacqueline Feke uncovers references to a complex and sophisticated philosophical agenda scattered among Ptolemy's technical studies in the physical and mathematical sciences. She shows how he developed a philosophy that was radical and even subversive, appropriating ideas and turning them against the very philosophers from whom he drew influence. Feke reveals how Ptolemy's unique system is at once a critique of prevailing philosophical trends and a conception of the world in which mathematics reigns supreme. A compelling work of scholarship, Ptolemy's Philosophy demonstrates how Ptolemy situated mathematics at the very foundation of all philosophy--theoretical and practical--and advanced the mathematical way of life as the true path to human perfection.

9780691184036 0691184038 0691179581 9780691179582

22573/ctv31td1f JSTOR 9452481 IEEE

GBB8K9791 bnb

019123645 Uk


Ptolemy, active 2nd century.
Ptolemy, active 2nd century.


Mathematics--Philosophy.
Math�ematiques--Philosophie.
MATHEMATICS--Essays.
MATHEMATICS--Pre-Calculus.
MATHEMATICS--Reference.
SCIENCE--Philosophy & Social Aspects.
Mathematics--Philosophy.


Electronic books.

QB36.P83 / F45 2018 QA8.4 / .F454 2018

510.1