Plausibility arguments using heuristic devices such as pictures and analogies preceded strict mathematical proof. It is likely that the idea of demonstrating a conclusion first arose in connection with geometry, which originated in practical problems of land measurement. The development of mathematical proof is primarily the product of ancient Greek mathematics, and one of its greatest achievements. Thales (624–546 BCE) and Hippocrates of Chios (c. 470–410 BCE) gave some of the first known proofs of theorems in geometry. Eudoxus (408–355 BCE) and Theaetetus (417–369 BCE) formulated theorems but did not prove them. Aristotle (384–322 BCE) said definitions should describe the concept being defined in terms of other concepts already known.
plausibility arguments using heuristic devices such as pictures and analogies preceded strict mathematical proof it is likely that the idea of demonstrating a conclusion first arose in connection with geometry which originated in practical problems of land measurement the development of mathematical proof is primarily the product of ancient greek mathematics and one of its greatest achievements thales (624–546 bce) and hippocrates of chios (c 470–410 bce) gave some of the first known proofs of theorems in geometry eudoxus (408–355 bce) and theaetetus (417–369 bce) formulated theorems but did not prove them aristotle (384–322 bce) said definitions should describe the concept being defined in terms of other concepts already known