The Method of Figure Generation in Luoshu and the Origin of Chinese Traditional Mathematics——Also a Commentary on the Book,An Individual Equation from Luoshu,the Ultimate Theory,by Wang Jienan
LI Shu-hua · Journal of Taiyuan Normal University · 2008
The natural philosophy of Zhouyi relies on some objective basis and mathematics.Wang Jienan found that Luoshu matrix is the structure of spontaneous self-organization of natural numbers.In this paper,two of the theorems in his book have been modified and extended as Method of Reducing to the Original Unit and Method of Square to generation.This illustrates that Chinese traditional mathematical thoughts and methods root in Zhouyi.The clue is the Mechanical System of Algorithm,which was put forword by Wu Wen-tsun who has taken it as the fundamental character of Chinese traditional mathematics(arithmetic).And hereby this paper further proves that Chinese traditional arithmetic is the combination of figure algorithm and figure matrix which is different from western algebra and geometry in the Axiomatic System of Deduction.With the development of computers,Chinese traditional mathematics gradually shows its advantages.It was by inheriting of Chinese mathematics tradition that Wu Wentsun has made breakthrough in mechanical theorem proving,and opened up a route of self-innovation for the development of Chinese mathematics.In his book,An Individual Equation from Luoshu,the Ultimate Theory,Wang Jienan has excavated and developed the mathematical thoughts and methods hidden in Hetu,Luoshu and Zhouyi.This helps us not only understand the origin of Chinese mathematics,but also obtain unique thoughts and enlightenment in solving modern scientific problems.