Distributivity-like Results in Euclid’s Elements

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Abstract

The present chapter presents a preliminary overview of some propositions of Books II, V, and VII of Euclid’s Elements that, retrospectively seen, embody results that we can associate nowadays with a more general idea of distributivity. It focuses on several results and arguments that are handled differently by Euclid in three clearly separate contexts: geometric magnitudes, arithmetic and numbers, and proportions. It also discusses Euclidean propositions where “visible” constructions implicitly use distributive-like properties.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSpringerBriefs in History of Science and Technology
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages5-25
Number of pages21
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Publication series

NameSpringerBriefs in History of Science and Technology

Keywords

  • Book II
  • Book V
  • Book VII
  • Distributive-like rules
  • Euclid’s Elements
  • Eudoxian theory of proportions

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • History
  • History and Philosophy of Science
  • Philosophy

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