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The Cult of Pythagoras: Math and Myths

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The Cult of Pythagoras: Math and MythsIn this follow up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Mart nez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories

In this follow-up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Mart nez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories are partly true, others are entirely false, but all show the power of invention in history. Pythagoras emerges as a symbol of the urge to conjecture and "fill in the gaps" of history. He has been credited with fundamental discoveries in mathematics and the sciences, yet there is nearly no evidence that he really contributed anything to such fields at all. This book asks: how does history change when we subtract the many small exaggerations and interpolations that writers have added for over two thousand years?

The Cult of Pythagoras is also about invention in a positive sense. Most people view mathematical breakthroughs as "discoveries" rather than invention or creativity, believing that mathematics describes a realm of eternal ideas. But mathematicians have disagreed about what is possible and impossible, about what counts as a proof, and even about the results of certain operations. Was there ever invention in the history of concepts such as zero, negative numbers, imaginary numbers, quaternions, infinity, and infinitesimals?

Mart nez inspects a wealth of primary sources, in several languages, over a span of many centuries. By exploring disagreements and ambiguities in the history of the elements of mathematics, The Cult of Pythagoras dispels myths that obscure the actual origins of mathematical concepts. Mart nez argues that an accurate history that analyzes myths reveals neglected aspects of mathematics that can encourage creativity in students and mathematicians.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press
Published: 06/26/2013
ISBN: 9780822962700
Pages: 264
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 0.90d
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SKU: 63670120762

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Kathryn D. Denton
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Buyer Response
Format: Paperback
One of my favorite purchases. The book arrived on time and in excellent condition. The book is a must have for serious scholars of this time period. I am most pleased to have found such an excellent addition to my library.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2013
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Charles R. Wichman
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Well written
Format: Paperback
Absorbing farce
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Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2020
C
Courtney Salmon
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 4
parodies of a classic
Format: Paperback
In Shamela, Fielding gives us the behind-the-scenes true Hollywood version of Pamela's story (and it's tabloid worthy). In Joseph Andrews, Fielding shares the tale of Pamela's brother caught in the same sort of madcap antics she endured.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
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B. Ying
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
An Excellent Film
The success of this film is derived from Paul Schrader’s concept for the film and his hiring of his production designer, Eiko Ishioka, a Japanese female artist. The four chapters are presented in a simple setting with ingenious design while telling Mishima’s personal history and development into a Nobel price winning author and martyr for his political beliefs. This blu ray is a new restored 4K digital transfer of the director’s cut. As usual Criterion Collection also included a wealth of commentaries, interviews, a 1985 documentary about Mishima and a booklet. A very best blu ray package if you are interested in the person and subject matters.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024
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Steve Schudin
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Astonishing Movie
This is exactly the kind of movie that would never receive funding today and get within hailing distance of production. This movie was my 'gateway drug' into the dark and fascinating world of Yukio Mishima which is one of those things where, as the saying goes, "If you know, you know." This film is basically a collection of several short films woven together. One is the story of Mishima himself, from childhood up to the morning of his last day. The other shorts are taken from four of his novels, including my personal favorite, 'Runaway Horses'. For the biographical portions of the film, which are mostly in black-and-white, Roy Scheider's narration is excellent as well. All in all, this movie is a beautiful introduction to Yukio Mishima as well as an artistic triumph for Paul Schrader.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2023

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