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Single Idea 553

[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 4. Mathematical Nature ]

Full Idea

The Pythagoreans thought that the principles of mathematical entities were the principles of all entities.

Gist of Idea

Pythagoreans think mathematical principles are the principles of all of nature

Source

report of Pythagoras (reports [c.530 BCE]) by Aristotle - Metaphysics 985b

Book Ref

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.19


The 11 ideas from Pythagoras

For Pythagoreans the entire universe is made of numbers [Pythagoras, by Aristotle]
The modern idea of an immortal soul was largely created by Pythagoras [Pythagoras, by Watson]
Pythagoras taught that virtue is harmony, and health, and universal good, and God [Pythagoras, by Diog. Laertius]
Pythagoreans think mathematical principles are the principles of all of nature [Pythagoras, by Aristotle]
Pythagoreans say things imitate numbers, but Plato says things participate in numbers [Pythagoras, by Aristotle]
When musical harmony and rhythm were discovered, similar features were seen in bodily movement [Pythagoras, by Plato]
Pythagoreans define timeliness, justice and marriage in terms of numbers [Pythagoras, by Aristotle]
Speak the truth, for this alone deifies man [Pythagoras, by Porphyry]
Pythagoras discovered the numerical relation of sounds on a string [Pythagoras, by Diog. Laertius]
For Pythagoreans, justice is simply treating all people the same [Pythagoras, by Aristotle]
For Pythagoreans 'one' is not a number, but the foundation of numbers [Pythagoras, by Watson]