Pythagoreanism
Origins and History
Pythagoreanism is a philosophical and religious movement that emerged in the 6th century BC, based on the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras of Samos. The Pythagoreans were known for their mathematical and musical theories, as well as their beliefs in metempsychosis (reincarnation), and the transmigration of souls.
The origins of Pythagoreanism can be traced back to the ancient city of Samos, where Pythagoras was born around 570 BC. Pythagoras later migrated to Croton in southern Italy, where he established a religious and philosophical school that attracted a significant following. The Pythagorean school was organized as a secret society, with strict rules of conduct and a strong emphasis on communal living.
Philosophy
The philosophy of Pythagoreanism is characterized by its emphasis on number theory, geometry, and music. The Pythagoreans believed that all things are numbers, and that the universe is governed by mathematical laws. They are credited with the discovery of the Pythagorean theorem in geometry, and the concept of the music of the spheres.
The Pythagoreans also believed in the immortality of the soul and its transmigration into new bodies after death, a doctrine known as metempsychosis. They held that the soul is divine and eternal, and that its ultimate goal is to liberate itself from the cycle of reincarnation and return to its divine source.
Mathematical and Musical Theories
The Pythagoreans made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the field of geometry. They are best known for the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
In the field of music, the Pythagoreans discovered the mathematical relationships between musical intervals, and developed the concept of the music of the spheres, a cosmological model in which the movements of the celestial bodies are described as a form of music.
Influence and Legacy
The influence of Pythagoreanism can be seen in many areas of Western thought, from mathematics and science to philosophy and religion. The Pythagorean theorem remains a fundamental principle in geometry, and the Pythagorean concept of the music of the spheres has had a lasting impact on the Western conception of the cosmos.
In philosophy, the Pythagorean doctrine of metempsychosis influenced the development of Platonic and Neoplatonic thought, and has parallels in many other religious and philosophical traditions. The Pythagorean emphasis on communal living and ethical conduct also had a significant influence on later philosophical and religious movements.