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Aristotle used mathematics in many of his other studies, as well. Another writer notes, "Aristotle used mathematics to try to 'see' the invisible patterns of sound that we recognize as music. Aristotle also used mathematics to try to describe the invisible structure of a dramatic performance" (Devlin 75-76). Aristotle used mathematics as a tool to enhance his other studies, and saw the value of creating and understanding theories of mathematics in everyday life and philosophy.
During his life, Aristotle also worked with theories developed by Eudoxus and others, and helped develop the theories of physics and some geometric theories, as well. Two authors quote Aristotle on mathematics. He writes, "These are in a way the converse of geometry. While geometry investigates physical lines but not qua physical, optics investigates mathematical lines, but qua physical, not qua mathematical" (O'Conner and Robinson). He also commented on infinity, and did not believe that it existed. He did not see a relationship between mathematics and physics, however, and later scholars have criticized him heavily for this lack of understanding. However, his contributions to mathematical theories, physics, geometry, and most importantly logic, contributed greatly to later discoveries and understanding in these fields. He greatly influenced the early belief that the earth was at the center of the universe (a belief the Catholic Church adopted and found very difficult to give up), and he influenced philosophical thought for ages after his death.
References
Devlin, Keith E. The Math Gene: How Mathematical Thinking Evolved and Why Numbers Are like Gossip. 1st ed. New York: Basic Books, 2000.
Lane, David. "Plato and Aristotle." The University of Virginia's College at Wise. 2007. 18 June 2007. http://www.mcs.uvawise.edu/dbl5h/history/plato.php
O'Connor, John J. And Edmund F. Robertson. "Aristotle on Physics and Mathematics." Saint Andrews University. 2006. 18 June 2007. http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Extras/Aristotle_physics_maths.html
Robinson, Timothy a. Aristotle in Outline. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1995.
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