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 Hypatia. She was the daughter of a mathematician Professor of the Museum of Alexandria known as Theon. The Alexandria museum may be founded by Ptolemy I, King of Egypt. At this time, many people were eager to learn about science and philosophy. For this reason, a revolutionary movement arose on these matters.
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 with her father in the preparation of various texts for the students. He was quite interested in the instruments that were used in astronomy research. Not only did he have a passion for mathematics and philosophy, but he also had a certain attraction for the study of the movements of the celestial bodies. This interest was to such an extent that drew up some tables where all the movements known to date of the celestial bodies could be described.
Although he was fond of astronomy, he mainly devoted himself to teaching mathematics. He had several disciples and his teachings were promoters of rationality. As we know, the use of rationality is an essential variable for science. The fact that this woman had great ability to teach her disciples about mathematics caused envy and hatred towards her to arise.
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 Christian followers. She was accused by this Bishop about the influence she had on the mind of the governor of that city. From what is seen this governor had been motivated to persecute Christians. Hypatia of Alexandria was assassinated in a popular riot. Apparently a group of detractors assaulted the carriage where she was traveling, tortured her and burned her.
Unfortunately, all of his works perished along with the entire library of Alexandria. Recent studies have been conducted that have cast doubt on religious motivations. That is, these studies are objecting that Hypatia was not against Christianity. She had disciples that I learned in mathematics with her and they belonged to all kinds of religions. What these studies try to show is that death has been masked in the accumulation of political tensions that existed at that time in Alexandria due to the decline of the Roman Empire.
Hypatia family
Hypatia was born in Alexandria, capital of the Roman diocese of Egypt. A lot of information is known about the father but hardly anything about the 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 body. Not only did he spend the hours and hours of the day studying and learning, but he also maintained a daily physical routine that maintained him and allowed him to have a healthy body and an active mind. He had remarkable physical and intellectual qualities. However, he refused to marry in order to give himself completely to science. If he had gotten married, he might not have had all the dedication he has had to science.
Feats
For 20 years he has dedicated himself to teaching all this knowledge in the Museum of Alexandria. She was a woman with a singular character dedicated to thought and teaching. Thanks to her they were able to enter a whole school of aristocrats who held high positions. He wrote books on astronomy, geometry, algebra, and improved the design of astrolabe primitive.
Given his curiosity for astronomy, he managed to map the celestial bodies, coming to make a complete planisphere. None of Hypatia's works has been preserved, but they are known thanks to the most important disciples he had, such as Sinesio of Cyrene and Hesychius of Alexandria. During his teaching of philosophy he focused on the works of Plato and Aristotle. Hypatia's house gradually became an area where people came to learn about philosophy.
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 faithfulness 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 deeds and deeds have not been safeguarded. I hope that with this information you can learn more about one of the most important women in the world of science and mathematics.