Today we are going to talk about a Greek mathematician and philosopher who was one of the first women to be known in the world. Is about HypatiaShe was the daughter of a mathematician, Professor of the Museum of Alexandria, known as Theon. The Museum of Alexandria, founded by Ptolemy I, King of Egypt, was an important center of learning. During this time, many people were eager to learn about science and philosophy. Therefore, a revolutionary movement in these subjects arose.
In this article we are going to talk about the biography of Hypatia, one of the first mathematical women in the world.
Biography of Hypatia
This philosopher and mathematician lived and worked alongside her father, preparing various texts for students. She was deeply interested in the instruments used in astronomical research. She not only had a passion for mathematics and philosophy, but also a certain attraction to the study of the motions of celestial bodies. This interest reached such a point that drew up some tables where all the movements known to date of the celestial bodies could be described, which shows his contribution to the knowledge of the time.
Although he liked astronomy, he mainly dedicated himself to teaching mathematics and teaching about the astronomyHe had several disciples and his teachings promoted rationality, a fundamental aspect in the history of scienceAs we know, the use of rationality is an essential variable for science. The fact that this woman had a great ability to teach her students mathematics aroused envy and hatred toward her.
One of the main detractors of Hypatia was Bishop Saint Cyril of Alexandria. Not only was he a detractor of Hypatia's exploits, but so were all her Christian followers. This bishop accused her of influencing the governor of that city. Apparently, this governor had been motivated to persecute Christians. Hypatia of Alexandria was murdered in a popular riot. Apparently, a group of detractors attacked the carriage in which she was traveling, tortured her, and burned her.
Unfortunately, all her works perished along with the entire library of Alexandria. Recent studies have questioned her religious motivations. In other words, these studies argue that Hypatia was not against Christianity. She had students who learned mathematics from her and belonged to all kinds of religions. What these studies are trying to demonstrate is that an attempt was made to mask her death amid the political tensions that existed in Alexandria at the time due to the decline of the Roman Empire.
Hypatia family
Hypatia was born in Alexandria, capital of the Roman diocese of Egypt. Much information is known about her father, but almost nothing about her mother. His father was a philosopher and mathematician and taught at the Alexandria museum. More than 100 teachers who lived there participated in this museum and many more who came as guests to give talks.
As it is understood by the studies and records that have been made from this time, Theon wanted his daughter to become a perfect human being. Therefore, he did everything possible to ensure that his daughter received a full science education. Hypatia, throughout her life, traveled to Athens and Italy to receive some courses in philosophy. She lived her entire childhood surrounded by an academic and cultured environment. In addition to mathematics and philosophy, astronomy also sowed passion in Hypatia. This is because he had an interest in seeking the unknown.
Physically Hypatia She had great beauty and she also took care of her bodyNot only did he spend hours and hours studying and learning, but he also maintained a daily physical routine that kept him healthy and his mind active. He had remarkable physical and intellectual qualities. However, he refused to marry in order to devote himself completely to science. Had he married, he might not have had the dedication he has had to science.
Feats
For 20 years, she dedicated herself to teaching all this knowledge at the Alexandria Museum. She was a woman of unique character, dedicated to thought and teaching. Thanks to her, students were able to enter an entire school of aristocrats who held high positions. She wrote books on astronomy, geometry, and algebra, and improved the design of primitives.
Given her curiosity about astronomy, she managed to map celestial bodies, even creating a complete planisphere. None of Hypatia's works have survived, but they are known thanks to her most important disciples, such as Synesius of Cyrene and Hesychius of Alexandria. While teaching philosophy, she focused on the works of Plato and Aristotle. Hypatia's house gradually became an area where people came to learn about philosophy and mathematics.
Orestes received various advice from Hypatia on politics. She became a popular woman for being an advisor to the highest magistracies of Alexandria. And it is that the magistrates came to consult on cases of the affairs of the city.
His loyalty to paganism at a time when Christianity was on the rise was the beginning of the reasons why he died at the hands of exalted Christians. Her murder occurred in a Christian revolt over paganism when she was just 45 years old.. His death caused a great commotion because murdering a woman who stood out for her exploits in the world of science and philosophy was a disgraceful crime for Christians.
As you can see, religions have caused numerous deaths of intellectuals throughout history. Unfortunately, Hypatia's achievements and works have not been preserved. I hope this information will help you learn more about one of the most important women in the world of science and mathematics.
