Pythagoreanism

Definition

Pythagoreanism is a philosophical and religious movement founded by Pythagoras in the 6th century BCE, emphasizing mathematics, mysticism, and the belief in the immortality of the soul. It combines elements of mathematics, ethics, and spirituality, influencing various aspects of Western thought, particularly in relation to the nature of existence and the cosmos.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pythagoreanism emphasized the idea that numbers are the ultimate reality, believing that understanding mathematics leads to understanding the universe.
2. The Pythagoreans practiced a lifestyle that included dietary restrictions and communal living, reflecting their beliefs about purity and harmony.
3. Pythagorean teachings greatly influenced later philosophical movements, including Platonism and Neoplatonism, especially in their views on mathematics and metaphysics.
4. The Pythagoreans held that the soul is immortal and goes through cycles of reincarnation until it achieves purification and unity with the divine.
5. Pythagoreanism also included ethical teachings that emphasized living a virtuous life in accordance with the harmony of the cosmos.

Review Questions

• How does pythagoreanism connect mathematics to spirituality and philosophy?
  • Pythagoreanism connects mathematics to spirituality by positing that numbers and mathematical relationships underpin the structure of reality. Pythagoreans believed that understanding these mathematical principles could lead to a deeper understanding of both existence and the divine. This connection fostered a unique blend of philosophy, ethics, and mystical insights, highlighting how numerical relationships are reflected in nature and human behavior.
• Discuss the influence of pythagoreanism on later philosophical movements during late antiquity.
  • Pythagoreanism significantly influenced later philosophical movements such as Platonism and Neoplatonism by introducing ideas about the role of mathematics in understanding reality. These schools adopted Pythagorean concepts like the immortality of the soul and the pursuit of knowledge through philosophical inquiry. This legacy contributed to the development of mystical traditions in late antiquity that sought to reconcile spiritual experiences with philosophical reasoning.
• Evaluate the implications of pythagorean beliefs about reincarnation on ethical practices within their community.
  • Pythagorean beliefs about reincarnation shaped their ethical practices by fostering a sense of responsibility for one's actions across multiple lifetimes. The idea that souls could be reborn emphasized moral behavior, as individuals were seen as accountable for their conduct not only in this life but in future incarnations. This perspective led to communal living and dietary restrictions aimed at achieving spiritual purity and harmony, reflecting their commitment to ethical living aligned with cosmic principles.

Related terms

Harmony of the Spheres: A Pythagorean concept that suggests celestial bodies move according to mathematical equations, creating a form of music or harmony in the universe.

Reincarnation:

The belief in the cyclical nature of life and death, where the soul is reborn into new bodies, a key aspect of Pythagorean thought.

Numerology: The study of the mystical significance of numbers, a central tenet of Pythagoreanism that connects numbers to reality and human experience.