Note: the following has been abstracted from the Grolier Encyclopedia.

Euclidean Geometry

Euclidean geometry is the study of points, lines, planes, and other geometric figures, using a modified version of the assumptions of Euclid (c.300 BC). The most controversial assumption has been the parallel postulate: there is one and only one line that contains a given point and is parallel to a given line. The development of Euclidean geometry extends at least from 10,000 BC to the 20th century.

In the 4th century BC, Plato founded an Academy in Athens, emphasized geometry, and used the five regular Polyhedrons in his explanation of the scientific phenomena of the universe. Aristotle, a student of Plato at the Academy, identified the rules for logical reasoning. The 13 books of Euclid's Elements are based on the mathematics that was considered at Plato's Academy.

The geometry in the Elements was a logical system based on ten assumptions. Five of the assumptions were called common notions (Axioms, or self-evident truths), and the other five were postulates (required conditions). The resulting logical system was taken as a model for deductive reasoning and had a profound effect on all branches of knowledge. Although it has been necessary to refine the postulates as concepts of existence, continuity, order, and other aspects of Geometry have changed, the resulting geometry is still called Euclidean geometry.

Modifications of Euclid's parallel postulate provide the basis for non-Euclidean Geometry. The currently accepted set of postulates for Euclidean geometry was first proposed in 1899 by David Hilbert.