From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordPropodismos is forward progression.
- In StobaeusNumber is described both as a system of monads and as an advance from a monad paired with a retreat back to it.
- In this edition“Forward progression” keeps the contrast with backward progression explicit.
- A place to beginNumerical progression and return are bounded by the monad.
- English renderings
- forward progression; advance
Meaning
Propodismos is forward progression. In Moderatus’s definition it names the advance of numerical multitude from the unit.
Use in the book
Number is described both as a system of monads and as an advance from a monad paired with a retreat back to it. Subtraction of whole units terminates at the monad in this account. The language of travel organizes a numerical relation, not a literal journey of objects through space.
Places to read
- Arith.8Numerical progression and return are bounded by the monad.
Translation in this edition
“Forward progression” keeps the contrast with backward progression explicit. Avoid substituting modern negative numbers into the stated boundary.
Backward progression
Anapodismos is a backward progression, paired in Arith.8 with forward progression from the monad. Subtraction brings the multitude back toward the unit, where this account makes it stop. “Regression” describes an arithmetic direction here and need not imply moral deterioration or the reversal of a historical development.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 21. The explanation of monas through remaining and being alone is the source’s wordplay; the printed plural construction concerns monads limiting quantity.