Pythagoras of Samos
Introduction
It would be correct to make the inference that the world today runs on mathematical concepts and formulas that are applied to solve simple to complex mathematical problems. From the world of technology, i.e., computing to other fields such as medicine and chemistry, mathematical concepts have permeated through all these disciplines and many more. However, people are keen to understand these formulae and their application, but little attention is paid to the story behind the concepts. For instance, who came up with the formula? Where did they come from? What factors could have motivated them towards developing the formula? How was their social life? Among other inquisitions have always been left out, and some of the greatest mathematicians have gone down forgotten in history.
Pythagoras of Samos
Probably one of the greatest mathematicians of all time, Pythagoras of Samos was a Greek-born philosopher who was born during 570 BC in Samos. Besides, mathematics also majored in other disciplines, including religious teachings and politics. His interests in these fields were as a result of the reverence that he had for other scholars such as Plato and Aristotle. Pythagoras was also an enthusiast of western philosophy, where he was viewed to bear different opinions and ideologies in comparison to those outlined in western literature.
However, Pythagoras’ key area of interest was in mathematics, where he studied under famous Greek scholars of the time, such as Hermodamas of Samos and other teachers. Pythagoras made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, including various formula and research works, including; the sphericity of the earth, the proportions theory, but his most renowned works and contribution to mathematics remain to be the Pythagoras theorem.
The Pythagoras Theorem
Today, the Pythagoras theorem may be viewed among the most common mathematical concepts that learners get introduced to at an early learning stage in their mathematical studies. However, it is essential to acknowledge that it took Pythagoras a lot of thinking and calculation to deduce the theorem. The Pythagoras theorem is a mathematical formula that accounts for the measurement of the length and angles of a right-angled triangle. The theorem is denoted by the formula.
A and B are the base and the height respectively of any right-angled triangle, while C denotes the hypotenuse. Through his calculations, Pythagoras came to identify that all the right-angled triangles conformer to this rule. By making either of the sides of the triangle the subject of the formula, it was possible to correctly calculate the length of either side of the triangle. The Pythagoras theorem has been put to the test using various measurement principles, including; the rearrangement technique, the use of integral and differentials, the use of algebraic concepts among other tests, and has been proven to hold true.
From the Pythagoras theorem, other formulas have been developed, including the cosine formula as well as applications in other fields of geometry and construction. While the formula may appear simplistic in its approach, mathematicians today have referred to the Pythagoras theorem as one of the most fundamental mathematical concepts that have been identified to be used across a wide range of mathematical fields, geometry, construction, architecture, precision modeling and many other field dealing with definite shapes and measurements. It is, therefore, possible to acknowledge the fact that Pythagoras was a mathematician who made a significant contribution to the field of mathematics through the invention of the Pythagoras theorem.
Interesting facts about Pythagoras
Perhaps one of the most interesting facts about Pythagoras was the fact that historians believe that Pythagoras had a condition referred to as Synesthesia. “Synesthesia is a condition gives an affected person the ability to see music, hear colors, and associate scents with people’s names.” While the truthful nature of this condition is yet to be scientifically proven, historians claim that this was a condition that Pythagoras of Samos suffered from and was essential in contributing toward the observed brilliance that the philosopher and mathematician exhibited.
Another interesting fact related to Plato that has been viewed to take effect even in today’s society’s setting is the cult of Pythagoras in which those affiliated to the cult ae referred to as Pythagoreans. Founded at Croton in Italy, Pythagoras opened a school that was more like a monastery in which the members lived a life of secrecy in pursuit of the new ways of life that the teachings according to Pythagoras required. The adherents of this “school” were bound by a vow to Pythagoras and each other, where they promised to observe and live by the code. The adherents also shared all their belongings with the exception of strangers. Pythagoras was the founding father, and reverence was paid to him as the central figure in what may be viewed as a cult setting.
Conclusion
Pythagoras is a renowned mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and other aspects of social living. Through his inventions, such as the Pythagoras theorem and other mathematical concepts, Pythagoras is indeed a mathematician who stands out among many in this field.
References
Morrison, J. S. (1956). Pythagoras of Samos. The Classical Quarterly, 6(3-4), 135-156.