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Reflection on Euclid

 

In the poem Euclid Alone has Looked on Beauty Bare by Edna St. Vincent Millay, she is arguably defining beauty as geometric proofs. Euclid certainly defined his geometry with precision, clarity and simplicity that is regarded by many (including myself) as beautiful. However, I do not agree that Euclid was alone in seeing this beauty as he based his work on those who came before him (especially Eudoxus), and many have came after him who have even expanded upon his work. 

Moving past the idea that geometrical proofs are the purest form of beauty which is certainly debatable, the poem in general seems to fall into the "great man fallacy". This is the idea that history is defined by specific great people (usually men) who alone contribute to the advancement of ideas, science and societies. While many specific individuals have contributed important and influential ideas, the fallacy often ignores the other factors that lead to those ideas. Even the greatest mathematicians and scientists worked with mentors, peers and students to develop their ideas. Additionally, they likely would not have reached the same heights if they had been born at different time in history, or in a different societal standing. 

The biography of Euclid actually supports the understanding that, while he was an incredible thinker, Euclid built on foundational works that were developed before his time, and was likely surrounded by peers and students who helped develop the seminal ideas found in The Elements. 

I think one reason why The Elements has had such timeless endurance is because of the rigorous definitions and proofs the are provided within the books. The biography points out that these standards were essential to how calculus was described thousands of years later. The author of the biography adds a small personal note at the end of the article which, while it leans towards a bit of a “kids these days” complaint, notes how important proofs are in education. This has inspired me to look for ways to teach proofs well in my own lessons as an ode to Euclid, and to prepare my students well for the future. 

Comments

  1. Amanda FritzlanDecember 19, 2022 at 4:54 PM

    So true, that Euclid created The Elements from the work of others. How do we move beyond "great man" narratives? I appreciate your plan for enacting an ode to "Euclid's" proofs.

    ReplyDelete

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