Proclus Hypothesis

Abstract

This article substantiates a new look on Euclid's Elements and mathematics history, based on Proclus hypothesis. Proclus hypothesis answers the question about Euclid’s goal for writing his Elements. Two Greek mathematical achievements underlie Proclus hypothesis: the golden ratio, described in the Books II, VI and XIII, and Platonic solids, described in the final Book XIII of the Elements. As the golden ratio and Platonic solids expressed the Universe harmony in Greek science, it follows from Proclus hypothesis that the main Euclid’s goal in his Elements is to embody Pythagoras & Plato’s “Ideas of the Universe Harmony.” Euclid’s Elements are historically the first version of the Mathematics of Harmony as one of the main directions in mathematics development. This approach overturns our understanding of Euclid's Elements and mathematics history starting from Euclid. The article presents a general interest for all mathematicians, math teachers, mathematics students, and for all science representatives, who are interested for new ideas in the history of mathematics.