Geometry
idea · 6 works · 6 mentions · 6 anchored passages
geometry · complicated figures · distance between us in flea's feet · land measurement · mensuration · the investigation of plane surfaces
in the texts
Clouds
The study of measurement and land-surveying taught at the thinking-shop, jokingly said to be used to measure 'the whole earth.'
Geometry.
Disciple.
No, but the whole earth.
Tusculan Disputations
The mathematical study of lines and figures
He, indeed — what would scarcely be believable — since he was engaged in philosophy even much more assiduously than before, and used the lyre after the manner of the Pythagoreans, and had books read to him night and day, in which studies he had no need of eyes — then, what scarcely seems possible to be done without eyes, he discharged the function of geometry, teaching his pupils in words from wha …
Panathenaicus
A mathematical discipline praised as useful for young learners but not sufficient for mature culture.
Nevertheless, I urge those who are inclined towards these disciplines to work hard and apply themselves to all of them, saying that even if this learning can accomplish no other good, at any rate it keeps the young out of many other things which are harmful.
For I observe that some of those who have become so thoroughly versed in these studies as to instruct others in them fail to use opportunely the knowledge which they possess, while in the other activities of life they are less cultivated than their students—I hesitate to say less cultivated than their servants.
Now in fact, so far from scorning the education which was handed down by our ancestors, I even commend that which has been set up in our own day—I mean geometry, astronomy, and the so-called eristic dialogues, which our young men delight in more than they should, although among the older men not one would not declare them insufferable.
Republic
The science of plane surfaces, judged useful in war but valuable chiefly as knowledge of that which always is
” “That is readily admitted,” he said, “for geometry is the knowledge of the eternally existent.
“Assuming this one point to be established,” I said, “let us in the second place consider whether the study that comes next is suited to our purpose.
Memorabilia
Mathematical study approved for practical land measurement but limited when it becomes unproductive.
He was against carrying the study of geometry so far as to include the more complicated figures, on the ground that he could not see the use of them.
For instance, he said that the study of geometry should be pursued until the student was competent to measure a parcel of land accurately in case he wanted to take over, convey or divide it, or to compute the yield;
Symposium
Mathematical inquiry caricatured as measuring trivial distances in flea's feet.
for people say that your geometry includes such measurements as that.