Features of the development of natural science knowledge in Alexandria in the IV century AD (on the example of the activities of Papp and Theon)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the personal and professional path of the outstanding Alexandrian intellectuals Papp and Theon. The work examines the main works of scientists and their scientific achievements in the field of natural science knowledge, as well as the linking of the intellectual heritage of Papp and Theon to the confrontation between secular intellectuals and Christians that unfolded in the IV century in Alexandria. The article proves the idea that Papp and Theon continued to develop natural scientific knowledge in Alexandria in a situation when Christian power had strengthened so much that any attempts to appeal to pagan heritage called into question the very existence of such a school in the city. The author of the article carries out the idea that the activities of these scientists became one of the reasons for the subsequent confrontation in the scientific environment of the city between pagans and Christians. At the same time, the author argues that Papp and subsequently Theon made an attempt to combine mathematics and philosophy, forming a new layer of scientists in Alexandria in the person of Theon's daughter Hypatia and her students, who made philosophy not a speculative, theoretical science, but highlighted its practical aspects.