Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Apr 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000aps..aprq22001e&link_type=abstract
American Physical Society, April Meeting, April 29-May 2, 2000 Long Beach, CA, abstract #Q22.001
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
At the beginning of the second century AD, Greek astronomy was a confusing array of incompatible techniques based on conflicting assumptions. Philosophically oriented writers discussed geometrical planetary theories based on deferents and epicycles, but these had no quantitative, predictive power. On the other hand, Greek astrologers, who needed to calculate planet positions from theory, used a grabbag of arithmetical methods borrowed from the Babylonians. Above all others, it was Claudius Ptolemy who showed how to combine the geometrical-philosophical approach of the Greek tradition with the arithmetical-predictive approach of the Babylonians. In doing so, Ptolemy achieved, for the first time in history, a quantitatively accurate planetary theory that was based on physical principles. Ptolemy's astrophysical synthesis not only provided deep insights into the nature of planetary motion, but also helped define the character of the scientific endeavor.
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