A Framework for Defining the Generality of Diophantos' Methods in ``Arithmetica'

Diophantos' solutions to the problems of Arithmetica have been the object of extensive reading and interpretation in modern times, especially from the point of view of identifying ``hidden steps' or ``general methods'. In this paper, after examining the relevance of various interpretations given for the famous problem II 8 in the context of modern algebra or geometry, we focus on a close reading of the ancient text of some problems of Arithmetica in order to investigate Diophantos' solving practices. This inquiry reveals certain pointers, which enable us to create a framework for defining the generality of Diophantos' methods. An erratum to this article can be found at