Pythagoras

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Pythagoras in Thomas Stanley History of Philosophy

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Pythagoras Bust Vatican Museum (cropped)

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Archytas of Tarentum MAN Napoli Inv5607

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The story of the greatest nations; a comprehensive history, extending from the earliest times to the present, founded on the most modern authorities, and including chronological summaries and (14783288925)

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Cropped image of Pythagoras from Raphael's School of Athens

Tetractys

Pythagoras of Samos (c. 570 – c. 495 BCE) was an ancient Ionian Greek philosopher and the eponymous founder of Pythagoreanism. His political and religious teachings were well known in Magna Graecia and influenced the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and, through them, Western philosophy. Knowledge of his life is clouded by legend, but he appears to have been the son of Mnesarchus, a seal engraver on the island of Samos. Young Pythagoras traveled to Miletus to study under Thales, who recommended he go to Egypt to learn more from the priests there. Following his mentor's advice, Pythagoras spent many years in Egypt before being captured in a Persian invasion and taken to Babylon. There, he was deeply influenced by the mathematical and astronomical knowledge of the Babylonians before eventually returning to Samos.

Biography

Early Life

Pythagoras was born on the island of Samos in the eastern Aegean Sea. His father, Mnesarchus, was a merchant from Tyre, and his mother, Pythais, was a native of Samos. He was said to have traveled widely in his youth, visiting Egypt and perhaps even India, to gather knowledge.

In Egypt

In Egypt, Pythagoras studied under the priests in Memphis, learning about the mathematical concepts and geometry that would later influence his own philosophical system. It was in Egypt that Pythagoras developed a profound interest in mathematics, astronomy, and music, which were interconnected in his philosophy.

In Babylon

After his time in Egypt, Pythagoras was taken to Babylon where he was exposed to the advanced mathematical and astronomical knowledge of the Babylonians. This experience was crucial in shaping his philosophical and mathematical ideas.

Return to Samos and Travels to Croton

Upon his return to Samos, Pythagoras founded a school which was more of a religious sect than an educational institution. However, his teachings were not well received by everyone, leading him to leave Samos for Croton (in modern-day Italy), where he established a new community. This community was dedicated to the study of mathematics, philosophy, and natural science, and it adhered to strict rules of conduct.

Philosophy and Contributions

Pythagoras is best known for the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. Although this theorem was known to Babylonians and Indians before him, Pythagoras is credited with its proof.

His philosophical teachings revolved around the transmigration of souls and the belief that all beings are related. He purported that the soul could rise to union with the divine and that certain symbols have a mystical significance. His followers adhered to a strict lifestyle that included prohibitions on eating beans and wearing wool, as well as the practice of silence.

Pythagoras also made significant contributions to music theory, understanding the mathematical relationships between notes and discovering that the intervals between harmonious sound frequencies form simple numerical ratios.

Legacy

Pythagoras's influence on later mathematics, music theory, and philosophy is immense. Through his mathematical discoveries and his philosophical teachings, he has had a lasting impact on the development of Western thought. His work influenced Plato and Aristotle and, through them, the entire tradition of Western philosophy.