Pythagoras Revived: Mathematics and Philosophy in Late Antiquity

ISBN-13: 9780198239130 / Angielski / Miękka / 1991 / 264 str.

Dominic J. O'Meara

Opis

The Pythagorean idea that number is the key to understanding reality inspired philosophers in the fourth and fifth centuries to develop theories in physics and metaphysics using mathematical models. These theories were to become influential in medieval and early modern philosophy, yet until now, they have not received the serious attention they deserve. This book marks a breakthrough in our understanding of the subject by examining two themes in conjunction for the first time: the figure of Pythagoras as interpreted by the Neoplatonist philosophers of the period, and the use of mathematical ideas in physics and metaphysics.

Recenzje

exemplary study ... O'Meara's treatment of Proclus ... is commendable in its balance, clarity, and judiciousness, as is the whole book. The book is also admirably produced

Spis treści

The revival of Pythagoreanism in the Napoelonic school; Varieties of Pythagoreanism in the second and third centuries AD; Iamblichus' work on Pythagoreanism: Title, plan, the first four books; On Pythagoreanism Books V-VII: The excerpts in Michael Psellus; Iamblichus' work on Pythagoreanism: General conclusions; Iamblichean Pythagoreanism in the Athenian School; Hierocles; Syrianus; Proclus: Some peliminary issues; Proclus on mathematics; Mathematics and physics in Proclus; Mathematics and metaphysics in Proclus; Conclusion; Appendices; Bibliography; Index