Why the number 0 was banned for 1500 years
Up and Atom・13 minutes read
Zero was banned for 1,500 years due to its non-geometric nature and association with non-existence by the Greeks, but Indian mathematicians embraced it, transforming it into a number. Its acceptance led to the development of calculus, crucial for modern mathematics, technology, and science, sparking the debate of whether math is invented or discovered.
Insights
- Zero was initially rejected by the Greeks due to its non-geometric nature and association with non-existence, leading to a ban for over 1,500 years, showcasing how cultural beliefs can impact the acceptance of mathematical concepts.
- The introduction and acceptance of zero by different civilizations, such as Babylonians and Indians, played a crucial role in the development of calculus, highlighting how diverse mathematical approaches can converge to shape modern mathematics, technology, and science.
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Recent questions
Why was zero forbidden for 1,500 years?
Due to its non-geometric nature and association with non-existence, zero was rejected by the Greeks, who linked numbers to concepts like God, leading to its ban for over 1,500 years.
How did Indian mathematicians view zero?
Indian mathematicians embraced zero, transforming it into a number and incorporating it into their system, recognizing its significance and potential in mathematical calculations.
Who introduced zero and Arabic numerals to Europe?
Fibonacci introduced zero and Arabic numerals to Europe, despite initial resistance from the church, paving the way for the acceptance and integration of these numerical concepts in Western mathematics.
What impact did zero's acceptance have on mathematics?
Zero's acceptance led to the development of calculus, which became crucial for modern mathematics, technology, and science, revolutionizing the way calculations and mathematical concepts were approached and understood.
How did different cultures' beliefs about the void influence mathematics?
Different cultures had varying beliefs about the void, influencing their mathematical approaches and capabilities. Despite these differences, common ideas emerged, sparking the debate of whether math is invented or discovered, shaping the evolution of mathematical thought and philosophy.
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Summary
00:00
The Forbidden Number: Zero's Surprising History
- The number zero was forbidden for 1,500 years, surprising many due to its commonality today.
- Stone Age civilizations used tallying for counting but lacked a symbol for zero.
- Babylonians introduced zero in their counting system, using a sexagesimal system with positional notation.
- Zero initially served as a placeholder, distinguishing between numbers on clay tablets.
- The Greeks rejected zero due to its non-geometric nature and association with non-existence.
- Pythagoras believed numbers required shapes, making zero incompatible with their mathematical philosophy.
- The Greeks linked numbers to concepts like God, leading to zero's ban for over 1,500 years.
- Indian mathematicians embraced zero, transforming it into a number and incorporating it into their system.
- Fibonacci introduced zero and Arabic numerals to Europe, despite initial resistance from the church.
- Zero's acceptance led to the development of calculus, crucial for modern mathematics, technology, and science.
13:39
Cultural beliefs shape math debate on discovery vs invention.
- Different cultures had varying beliefs about the void, influencing their mathematics and capabilities. Despite diverse mathematical approaches, common ideas emerged, sparking the debate of whether math is invented or discovered.
- Nebula, a streaming platform created by a group of creative individuals, offers an ad-free space for educational creators like Real Engineering and Joe Scott. Partnered with Curiosity Stream, Nebula provides exclusive content, including documentaries exploring the intersection of math and philosophy, available through a special 2 for 1 deal with Curiosity Stream's discounted annual plan.
