User:Pmanderson/Eugepae

Eugepae, Latin for "Hooray!" or "Well done!" , is commonly used in place of the more traditional Q.E.D. at the end of a mathematical proof.

Example

The Pythagorean theorem.

The following is a proof of the Pythagorean theorem:

c² + 2ab = (a + b)²

c² + 2ab = a² + 2ab + b²

c² = a² + b²

EUGEPAE

Etymology and early use

The phrase 'Eugepae' originated with a common phrase during the Roman Republic during times of great happiness, such as the Pax Romana. It formed as a combination of two words, 'Eughe,' which was an onomatopoeia from natural calls and cheers made in Latin and 'epaequos,' which roughly translates as 'great happiness and solace in times of great strife', detailing Rome's victories over worthy adversaries such as the Gauls, the Carthaginians, and the Visigoths. However, this derivation is disputed. Other linguists believe that the term eventually derived from similar Greek roots expressing similar petulant approval or the most optimal delight, the most popular of these words being Eureka. However, this was the time before the late Latin grammar concepts had been completed, such as the ablative absolute and the supine. There is also evidence to suggest that the term "Eugepae" was meant to express deep sensual joy. The Roman Poet Catullus is perhaps the most prominent of writers to use the term, especially in his poem "Catullus 78". Its usage in mathematics serves to emphasize the tremendous feeling of satisfaction obtained via completion of a proof.

Controversy

There is significant controversy over whether Eugepae came from mutual consummation of physical desire, or whether it simply derived from the expression of sheer joy. During the raiding of the virgins of the Sabines, for example, manuscripts have undoubtedly been marked over with multiple cries of 'Eugepae!' After this had happened, there was a great time of strife, with sparse calls of Eugepae only when a new enemy had been conquered, most notably Britannia. It is also known that Ptolemy cried 'Eugepae' upon his discovery of 3.1416, which was at the time the closest approximation of pi.. With Caesar being leader, however, it is also absolutely clear that people were forced to graciously laud it to their fellow Romans. Over time, it has been known to have multiple derivations depicting joy such as Eureka, Hooray!, and double entendre, along with its accompanying chant of Eugepae.

The greatest display of Eugepae, nevertheless, is known to be after the defeat of the Indiana House of Representatives bill stating that the value of pi was "the ratio of the diameter and circumference is as five-fourths to four.", giving an incorrect value of pi to be 3.2. After this had been completed, Latin scholars and math scholars everywhere flooded the streets of Indianapolis, creating National Eugepae Day on February 13, 1897, the day after the ubiquitous 'Indiana Pi Bill' had been indefinitely postponed. If they had ratified this bill [which they did not], they would have been most unwise [but they were not]. It is extremely unclear whether there was any physical desire that was consummated during this day, or whether the joy of math was the spur to yell Eugepae. Nevertheless, it is clear that they were so elated with bliss that they chanted Eugepae (in order) to express their ecstasy.

Modern philosophy

In the European Renaissance, mathematical books were typically written in Latin, and phrases such as "Eugepae!" were often used to triumphantly laud one's proofs.

Currently, it has become so symbolic of irrefutable logic that "Eugepae!" is occasionally used in non-mathematical contexts as well to intensify assertions; in this context (as in all) it has little connection with rigorous deduction, and is more tongue-in-cheek.