Deux classifications des sciences mathématiques sont transmises par Proclus de Lycie, au cinquième siècle de notre ère. On examine leur origine, le contexte et les motivations de leur élaboration en insistant sur le rôle de Platon, de ses disciples et adversaires, ainsi que l’écho qu’elles ont eu chez les mathématiciens.

Two classifications of mathematical sciences are transmitted by Proclus of Lycia, in the fifth century of our era. One examines their origin, the context and the motivations of their development while insisting on the role of Plato, his disciples and adversaries, as well as the echo which they had for mathematicians.