Illustration Photo of Euclid (Photo: ts2.tech)
Euclid, a Greek mathematician who lived around 300 BC, is recognized as the “Father of Geometry” due to his extraordinary contributions to the development of geometry. His most famous work, Elements, is a book that systematically and logically lays out the fundamental principles of geometry. This book has not only served as a guide for mathematicians and scientists in his time but also remains relevant to this day.
Although not much is known about Euclid’s personal life, he is believed to have taught in Alexandria, Egypt, which at the time was a center of knowledge and culture. During his lifetime, many prominent thinkers and scientists gathered in Alexandria, allowing for a rich exchange of ideas.
Elements is Euclid’s monumental work consisting of 13 books. In this work, he combines the findings of various earlier mathematicians and introduces definitions, axioms, and theorems that are still used in mathematics education today. Elements covers topics such as plane geometry, focusing on the properties of lines, angles, and two-dimensional shapes, as well as three-dimensional geometry that analyzes shapes like spheres, cylinders, and cones. Additionally, Euclid explores number theory, including division and factors.
One of the most important aspects of Elements is its deductive approach. Euclid starts with fundamental axioms that are considered self-evident and then builds more complex theorems through a series of logical steps. This approach laid the foundation for scientific methods and systematic mathematical thinking in the future.
Euclid’s influence in the world of mathematics cannot be underestimated. Elements has been the standard textbook in geometry for over two thousand years. Many schools in Europe and around the world used this work as a textbook until the 19th century. Euclid’s methods and approach not only shaped the study of geometry but also influenced many other branches of science and mathematics.
Moreover, the concepts introduced by Euclid, such as Euclidean geometry, remain the basis for fundamental mathematics education. While non-Euclidean geometry developed later, understanding Euclidean geometry is still important in the fields of architecture, physics, and engineering.
Euclid’s legacy continues to live on today. Many terms and symbols in modern geometry are derived from his work. The terms “theorem” and “postulate” are heavily influenced by how Euclid organized and presented his mathematical ideas. Euclid’s courage to structure mathematical knowledge systematically and logically not only established him as a central figure in the history of mathematics but also as a symbol of rational thinking that continues to evolve to this day.
As a highly influential figure in the history of mathematics, Euclid, with his work, especially Elements, not only defined geometry but also taught us about the power of deduction and logic in science. As the “Father of Geometry,” his influence is still felt in how we understand space and shape, making him one of the most important figures in the history of science.
Keywords: Euclid, Geometry, Father of Geometry, Elements, Classical Mathematics, Axioms, Theorems
References
Euclid. (1956). The Elements of Euclid. Translated by Sir Thomas Heath. Dover Publications.
Heath, T. L. (1921). A History of Greek Mathematics. Oxford University Press.
Katz, V. J. (1998). A History of Mathematics: An Introduction. Addison-Wesley.
Dunham, W. (1990). Journey through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics. John Wiley & Sons.
Author: Silvina Rosita Yulianti