The formula “two times two is four” in the Russian classics and its possible origins
The formula 2x2=4 is considered to be the basic “scientific” truth till now. However, doubts about the immutability of this example already appeared in the XIX century. F. Dostoevsky, I. Turgenev, V. Odoevsky and others expressed these doubts. Possible origins of this formula in Russian literature are Catholic scholasticism (it has a rich tradition of proving the existence of God with the help of mathematical facts), German classical philosophy (it often bases idealism on rationalism), French materialism (instead, it denies religion with the help of mathematics).But these directions have had a contradictory impact on Russian classics, creating the theatres for polemics. The “two times two is four” becomes a symbol of rationality in Russian literature. The opposite to it is the formula “two times two is five”. It is a symbol of irrational perception of the world, Faith in God's Providence. The opposition of these formulas has deep roots in Russian culture and goes back to Gospel and the opposition of Law and Grace.