Ptolemy's Philosophy: Mathematics as a Way of Life

Description

The Greco-Roman mathematician Claudius Ptolemy is one of the most significant figures in the history of science. He is remembered today for his astronomy, but his philosophy is almost entirely lost to history. This groundbreaking book is the first to reconstruct Ptolemy's general philosophical system-including his metaphysics, epistemology, and eth

Jacqueline Feke is assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.

"Shortlisted for the Pickstone Prize, British Society for the History of Science" "Feke's book deserves a place on the shelves of historians of science, philosophers, and classicists alike."---Marco Romani Mistretta, Bryn Mawr Classical Review "This important study will significantly improve our historical understanding of the originality of Ptolemy's position."---Alain Bernard, Journal of the History of Astronomy "The book can be accessed and appreciated with a little sustained effort. For those of us who practice the history of mathematics, Feke's work is a nice illustration that our historical actors' philosophical commitments often can be identified, and they can help us to focus our readings more precisely. It's a good lesson, and well worth the endeavour."---Glen Van Brummelen, British Journal for the History of Mathematics