In Our Time

Euclid's Elements

Apr 28, 2016

Explore the timeless impact of Euclid's Elements in revolutionizing mathematics with logical arguments and axioms. Delve into the controversial fifth postulate and its implications on geometry. Uncover the classification theorem for Platonic solids and the absence of algebra in Euclid's work. See how Euclid's legacy continues to inspire scholars and mathematicians, shaping the foundation of mathematical principles.

45:36

Creator website

Episode guests

Serafina Cuomo

Marcus du Sautoy

June Barrow-Green

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Euclid's Elements revolutionized math with logical proofs and universal truths.

The shift from practical to theoretical math is seen in Euclid's emphasis on storytelling and deduction.

Deep dives

Importance of Euclid's Elements in Mathematics

Euclid's Elements, written around 300 BC, marked a shift towards mathematics as an analytic, deductive subject. It introduced logical arguments for mathematical concepts and became a foundation of teaching for over 2,000 years. The text was not an abrupt innovation, but a culmination of Greek mathematicians' work. It transformed mathematics by proving universal truths and the power of rigorous deduction based on a set of axioms.

Introduction

2min

Euclid's Elements Through Time

7min

Exploring Euclid's Foundations

21min

Exploring the Implications of Euclid's Fifth Postulate

6min

Exploring Euclid's Classification Theorem and Platonic Solids

2min

Debate on the Presence of Algebra and Algorithms in Euclid's Elements

3min

The Enduring Influence of Euclid's Elements and 19th-century Surge in Popularity

4min

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Euclid's Elements, a mathematical text book attributed to Euclid and in use from its appearance in Alexandria, Egypt around 300 BC until modern times, dealing with geometry and number theory. It has been described as the most influential text book ever written. Einstein had a copy as a child, which he treasured, later saying "If Euclid failed to kindle your youthful enthusiasm, then you were not born to be a scientific thinker."

With

Marcus du Sautoy Professor of Mathematics and Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford

Serafina Cuomo Reader in Roman History at Birkbeck University of London

And

June Barrow-Green Professor of the History of Mathematics at the Open University

Producer: Simon Tillotson.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

In Our Time

Euclid's Elements

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Importance of Euclid's Elements in Mathematics

Evolution of Mathematics Through Euclid's Elements

Uncovering the Mystery of Prime Numbers in Euclid's Elements

Legacy of Euclid's Elements in Geometry and Beyond

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts