Who is Pythagoras in Philosophy
Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher who lived in the XNUMXth century BC. He is primarily known for his contributions to mathematics and music, but he also played a significant role in philosophy. Pythagoras founded a school of thought known as Pythagoreanism, which influenced many later philosophers. In this glossary, we will explore the life and ideas of Pythagoras, highlighting his main contributions to philosophy.
The Life of Pythagoras
Pythagoras was born on the island of Samos in Greece around 570 BC Little is known about his childhood and youth, but he received a comprehensive education, studying mathematics, music, philosophy and natural sciences. At age 40, he left Samos and traveled to Egypt, where he studied with Egyptian priests and learned about Egyptian mathematics and philosophy. After his stay in Egypt, Pythagoras settled in the city of Croton, in Magna Grecia (present-day southern Italy), where he founded his philosophical school.
Pythagoreanism
Pythagoreanism was a school of thought that emphasized the importance of mathematics and music in the search for truth and harmony. Pythagoras believed that the universe was governed by mathematical laws and that music was the expression of these laws. He also defended the idea that the soul is immortal and that the search for knowledge and wisdom is the key to spiritual liberation.
The theory of forms
One of Pythagoras's main contributions to philosophy was the theory of forms. He believed that the sensible world is only an imperfect copy of the world of forms, which is eternal and immutable. According to Pythagoras, forms are the fundamental principles that govern reality and are accessible only through reason and contemplation.
The theory of transmigrations of souls
Pythagoras also defended the idea that souls are immortal and that they go through a series of transmigrations, that is, reincarnations, in different bodies. He believed that the human soul is a divine spark that seeks purification and union with the divine. This idea influenced many later philosophers, such as Plato and Plotinus.
Pythagorean ethics
Pythagorean ethics were based on principles such as harmony, moderation and justice. Pythagoras believed that the search for harmony and balance was essential for a virtuous life. He also emphasized the importance of justice and equality, arguing that all people have the right to education and access to knowledge.
Pythagorean mathematics
Pythagoras is best known for his famous theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the legs. This theorem, known as the Pythagorean Theorem, is one of the most important discoveries in mathematics and has applications in several areas, such as geometry and physics.
Pythagorean music
Pythagoras believed that music was an expression of the mathematical laws that govern the universe. He developed a musical theory based on mathematical proportions, arguing that musical harmony is a reflection of cosmic harmony. This idea influenced many later musicians and philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle.
The influence of Pythagoras
Pythagoras' ideas had a significant impact on later philosophy and science. His Pythagoreanism influenced philosophers such as Plato, who developed his own theory of forms, and Aristotle, who studied with the Pythagoreans before founding his own philosophical school. Furthermore, Pythagoras' contributions to mathematics and music continue to be studied and applied to this day.
Conclusion
Although Pythagoras is best known for his contributions to mathematics and music, his philosophical ideas also had a significant impact. His theory of forms, his belief in the immortality of the soul, and his ethics based on harmony and justice are just some of the ideas that continue to influence philosophical thought to this day. Pythagoras was one of the first philosophers to explore the relationship between mathematics, music and philosophy, and his legacy endures as a source of inspiration and knowledge.
