Attributes Quote by Aristotle
“Those who assert that the mathematical sciences say nothing of the beautiful or the good are in error. For these sciences say and prove a great deal about them; if they do not expressly mention them, but prove attributes which are their results or definitions, it is not true that they tell us nothing about them. The chief forms of beauty are order and symmetry and definiteness, which the mathematical sciences demonstrate in a special degree.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Metaphysics by Aristotle, 4th century BCE
Aristotle argues that mathematics does address beauty and goodness through its inherent order, symmetry, and definiteness, contrary to claims that it is purely abstract.
In simple terms: Math shows beauty and goodness via order and symmetry.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the aesthetic and moral dimensions of mathematics.
Themes
philosophy
mathematics
beauty
goodness
order
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- teaching
- public outreach
- interdisciplinary research
Key Concepts
aesthetics
ontology
logic
symmetry
Questions to Reflect On
- How does mathematical order influence your sense of beauty?
- Can mathematical reasoning inform ethical decisions?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overstate mathematics' capacity to convey moral values directly.
