Theodorus mathematical Lesson (Theaetetus, 147c7-d6) I What are Theodorus' drawings? II Theodorus' demonstrations of irrationality

La leçon mathématique de Théodore (Théétète, 147c7-d6) I Mais que dessine donc Théodore ? II Les démonstrations d'irrationalité de Théodore

Salomon Ofman (1)

1 IMJ-PRG (UMR_7586) - Institut de Mathématiques de Jussieu - Paris Rive Gauche

Both lectures focus on the first part of the so-called ‘mathematical part’ of Plato’s Theaetetus. In this passage, the young Theaetetus briefly recounts the mathematical lesson given by the geometer Theodorus. The first lecture delves into the figures drawn by Theodorus, while the second explores his methods of proof. Here, we present a new translation and a new interpretation of this passage. Both lectures are based on a collaborative work in progress with Luc Brisson.

Keywords: Plato; Theaetetus; incommensurability; irrationality; mathematical proofs; mathematical drawings

Domains: Humanities and Social Sciences; History and Overview [math.HO]

Salomon Ofman. La leçon mathématique de Théodore (Théétète, 147c7-d6) I Mais que dessine donc Théodore ? II Les démonstrations d'irrationalité de Théodore. 2024. ⟨hal-04422796⟩