TED-Ed: Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man of math - James Earle

The video explores the Vitruvian Man, a symbol of the Renaissance, and its connection to mathematics, philosophy, and art. It discusses the ancient problem of squaring a circle, Vitruvius' influence on Leonardo's sketch, and the philosophical movement of Neoplatonism. Pico Della Mirandola's ideas on mankind's place in the universe are highlighted, showing how humans can transcend their position in the Great Chain of Being. The Vitruvian Man combines these elements, symbolizing the era's intellectual and artistic achievements.

What ancient problem does Leonardo's sketch metaphorically address?

• The Fibonacci sequence

• The golden ratio

• Squaring a circle

• The Pythagorean theorem

According to Vitruvius, what is the center of the human body?

• The brain

• The heart

• The spine

• The navel

What philosophical movement influenced Leonardo's work during the Renaissance?

• Epicureanism

• Stoicism

• Neoplatonism

• Existentialism

What did Pico Della Mirandola believe about mankind's place in the universe?

• Humans are fixed at the center of the universe

• Humans can choose their position in the universe

• Humans are at the bottom of the universe's hierarchy

• Humans are above all other life forms

What does Leonardo's sketch suggest about mankind's ability to exist within the universe?

• Humans are limited to geometric shapes

• Humans can fill any shape they please

• Humans are confined to a circle

• Humans are confined to a square