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For Some Histories of Greek Mathematics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 November 2009

Roy Wagner
Roy Wagner*
Affiliation:
Tel Aviv University
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Argument

This paper argues for the viability of a different philosophical point of view concerning classical Greek geometry. It reviews Reviel Netz's interpretation of classical Greek geometry and offers a Deleuzian, post-structural alternative. Deleuze's notion of haptic vision is imported from its art history context to propose an analysis of Greek geometric practices that serves as counterpoint to their linear modular cognitive narration by Netz. Our interpretation highlights the relation between embodied practices, noisy material constraints, and operational codes. Furthermore, it sheds some new light on the distinctness and clarity of Greek mathematical conceptual divisions.

Type
Research Article
Information
Science in Context , Volume 22 , Issue 4 , December 2009 , pp. 535 - 565
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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