Here is a copy of the final exam from last time the course was taught. The format will be similar.

Humanities 399
Science in the Ancient Context
Final Exam Winter 2005

1. Provide a proof for one of the following propositions or constructions (20):

a. the diagonal of the square is incommensurable with its sides
b. the series of prime numbers is infinite
c. the square of the hypotenuse of a right angle triangle is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides (two possibilities
d. So cut a line that the rectangle formed by the line and the less segment is equal to the square on the remaining segment (golden section)

II. Provide brief explanations for seven of the following (28)

a. second mean proportional
b. tetraktys
c. apodeixis
d. Parmenides
e. heliacal rising
f. demiurge
g. physis
h. exhalation
i. Heron
j. deferent
k. Democritus

III. Explain three of the following in more detail (27):

a. Precession of the equinox
b . Inequality of the seasons
c. List the zodical signs in order
d. pangenesis and epigenesis
e. Galen’s three soul and their systems

IV. Discuss in what ways the practice of ancient science differs from modern science (25).