The Philosophy of Pythagoras

Aristotle introduced the Pythagoreans in a distinct way from Eurytus and Philolaus. But they were likely known to the Greeks in earlier times, and Aristotle may have been aware of them through oral transmission. It is also possible that these philosophers had no particular names in their time.Symbola
The Pythagorean Symbola are a collection of short sayings that answer the question, 'What is...?' These sayings contain taboos and precepts. To understand the meaning of these sayings, you must first understand what Pythagoras was trying to say.Pythagoras believed that the number one represents the origin of all things, and it is also the number of the monad, the number of the god. The monad also represents the principle of stability, and it preserves the identity of numbers. This principle is also the basis of the concept of the One and the Good.Ocellus treatise
The Ocellus treatise is one of the earliest examples of Hellenistic astrological doctrine. It urges prospective parents to choose their time of conception carefully, and declares that the active supra-lunar realm governs the passive sub-lunar realm. As with other Pythagoreans, Ocellus adhered to strict asceticism and believed that sexual intercourse should be limited to reproductive purposes. He even advised against the consumption of alchoholic drinks.The Pythagoreans were influential in the development of Greek philosophy. During the time of Socrates, schools such as the Academicians, Stoics, and Epicureans emerged. However, as time went by, some minds returned to the Pythagorean school, recognizing it as a more elevated and purer tradition of thought. Jubaking of Mauritania was an important patron of the Pythagorean school and collected several of its works.Nicomachus
Nicomachus and Pythagoras were both philosophers. Nicomachus was born in Gerasa, which is most likely a city on the Euphrates. He was known as a specialist in Pythagorean theory. Nicomachus was also a contributor to the study of harmonics.There are few written accounts of Nicomachus' life. His work was edited by Ast, and published in Leipzig in 1817. The book contains a number of quotations from Nicomachus, including a discussion of the nature of sound. He also discussed the nature of music in his Manual of Harmonics, which is a work that shows the influence of Pythagoras and Aristotle on music. He also discusses musical notes and the octave, and how to tune a stretched string.Heraclides
Pythagoras was a god, born of Mercury and Aethalides. He was exiled from his native Samos and moved to Croton, a city in Italy that was friendly to Samos. He founded the Pythagorean society there, which was renowned for its doctors and athletes. According to the Greek historian Timaeus, Pythagoras went to Croton in 529 B.C., where he stayed for twenty years and died.Both Heraclides and Pythagoras distinguished between the three types of life. This distinction would later be used by Aristotle in his Ethics.Diodorus
The Pythagorean tradition, which dates from the early fifth century BCE, is often referred to as acusmatic. This is a term used to describe the way of life of Pythagoreans. In fact, the acusmatic tradition is most closely associated with Diodorus of Aspendus, who lived in southern Asia Minor. While he was marginal, he did gain respectability by incorporating the teachings of Pythagoras into his own philosophy.While some scholars view Diodorus as a legitimate Pythagorean, others see him as an eccentric figure who has been exaggerated and distorted in comedy. Although the two figures have been considered Pythagoreans, many antiquarian sources argue that they were not true Pythagoreans and were in fact influenced by conservative Pythagoreans.Peripatetic tradition
The peripatetic tradition of Pythagoras is characterized by a diversity of sources and approaches. Huffman observes that the sources vary in their approach to the issues raised by Pythagoras. Historiographic studies vary from praise to criticism. In the case of the peripatetic sources, Herodotus asserts a strong Egyptian influence while the Cyzicus sage associates Pythagoras with Syria.This tradition is a rich source of ideas and interpretations, and offers valuable insights into Pythagoras' thought. The peripatetic tradition is also a useful reference point in contemporary philosophy.Early Pythagoreans
Whether you're interested in the history of mathematics, philosophy, or medicine, you've probably heard about the Pythagoreans. These men were known for their mathematicians, scientists, and physicians, among other activities. So, what did these early Pythagoreans do?There are several sources that describe the Pythagoreans. The first is the On the Pythagorean Way of Life by Iamblichus, which lists individual Pythagoreans. Another is Aristoxenus, who describes a Pythagorean way of life.