One of the most important mathematical theorems is named after Pythagoras of Samos, but this semi-mythical Greek sage has more to offer than formulas. He is said to have discovered the numerical nature of the basic consonances and transposed the musical proportions to the cosmos, postulating a "harmony of the spheres." He may have coined the words "cosmos" and "philosophy." He is also believed to have taught the doctrine of transmigration of souls and therefore to have advised a vegetarian diet. Ancient legends have Pythagoras conversing with dogs, bears, and bulls. A distinctly Pythagorean way of life, including detailed ritual regulations, was observed by his disciples, who were organized as a secret society. Later, Pythagorean and Platonic teachings became fused. In this Platonized form, Pythagoreanism has remained influential through medieval Christianity and the Renaissance down to the present. Christoph Riedweg's book is an engaging introduction to the fundamental contributions of Pythagoras to the establishment of European culture. To penetrate the intricate maze of lore and ascertain what history can tell us about the philosopher, Riedweg not only examines the written record but also considers Pythagoras within the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual context of his times. The result is a vivid overview of the life and teachings of a crucial Greek thinker and his most important followers.

The timeless brilliance of this exhaustive survey of the best classical writers of antiquity on Pythagoras was first published in 1687 in Thomas Stanley’s massive tome, The History of Philosophy. It remains as contemporary today as it was over three hundred years ago. The text of the 1687 book has been reset and modernized to make it more accessible to the modern reader. Spelling has been regularized, obsolete words not found in a modern dictionary have been replaced, and contemporary conventions of punctuation have been used. Biographical sketches of Thomas Stanley and Pythagoras by Manly Palmer Hall, founder of the Philosophical Research Society, have been included, along with a profound overview of Pythagorean philosophy by Platonic scholar Dr. Henry L. Drake. The extensive Greek language references throughout the text have been corrected and contextualized, and reset in a modern Greek font. Each quotation has been verified with the source document in Greek. An extensive annotated appendix of these classical sources is included. A complete bibliography details all the reference works utilized, and a small Glossary defines a number of terms, especially those from musical theory, which may be unfamiliar to the non-technical reader.

Dive into the fascinating world of ancient philosophy and mathematics with "Pythagoras" by Rajesh Kumar Thakur, a captivating exploration of the life and teachings of one of history's most legendary figures. Follow the journey of Pythagoras, the enigmatic Greek philosopher and mathematician whose enduring legacy continues to shape our understanding of the universe. From his groundbreaking discoveries in geometry to his profound insights into the nature of reality, Pythagoras' influence extends far beyond his own time and place. Explore the themes of reason, harmony, and enlightenment as you delve into Pythagoras' revolutionary ideas and philosophical principles. Thakur's meticulous research and insightful analysis shed light on the profound impact of Pythagoras' teachings on mathematics, science, and spirituality, offering readers a deeper appreciation for his enduring legacy. With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking commentary, "Pythagoras" provides a comprehensive overview of the philosopher's life and contributions to human knowledge. Thakur's accessible writing style and clear explanations make complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone can appreciate the genius of Pythagoras. Experience the thrill of intellectual discovery as you unravel the mysteries of Pythagoras' theorem and explore the interconnectedness of mathematics and philosophy. Whether you're a student of history, mathematics, or philosophy, "Pythagoras" offers valuable insights into the intersection of these disciplines and the profound impact of Pythagoras' ideas on human thought. Join the ranks of inspired readers who have been captivated by Rajesh Kumar Thakur's illuminating portrait of Pythagoras. Whether you're a longtime admirer of the philosopher's work or simply curious about the origins of modern science and philosophy, "Pythagoras" is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to explore the wonders of the ancient world. Don't miss your chance to embark on a journey of discovery with "Pythagoras" by Rajesh Kumar Thakur. Let his insightful exploration of one of history's greatest minds inspire you to seek knowledge, question assumptions, and embrace the pursuit of truth.

Though known today primarily for the mathematical theorem that bears his name, Pythagoras was a mystically-minded philosopher with a particular interest in music, astronomy, cosmology, numerology, and the soul. This book paints a vivid picture of the world in which Pythagoras lived—and since the philosopher was so widely travelled that includes Greek, Egyptian, and Babylonian civilization in the sixth century BCE. Along with chapters discussing Pythagoras’s life and beliefs, as well as the lifestyle he advocated, there is a timeline listing important events from his life.

Half a Century of Pythagoras Magazine is a selection of the best and most inspiring articles from this Dutch magazine for recreational mathematics. Founded in 1961 and still thriving today, Pythagoras has given generations of high school students in the Netherlands a perspective on the many branches of mathematics that are not taught in schools. The book contains a mix of easy, yet original puzzles, more challenging - and at least as original – problems, as well as playful introductions to a plethora of subjects in algebra, geometry, topology, number theory and more. Concepts like the sudoku and the magic square are given a whole new dimension. One of the first editors was a personal friend of world famous Dutch graphic artist Maurits Escher, whose 'impossible objects' have been a recurring subject over the years. Articles about his work are part of a special section on 'Mathematics and Art'. While many books on recreational mathematics rely heavily on 'folklore', a reservoir of ancient riddles and games that are being recycled over and over again, most of the puzzles and problems in Half a Century of Pythagoras Magazine are original, invented for this magazine by Pythagoras' many editors and authors over the years. Some are no more than cute little brainteasers which can be solved in a minute, others touch on profound mathematics and can keep the reader entranced indefinitely. Smart high school students and anyone else with a sharp and inquisitive mind will find in this book a treasure trove which is rich enough to keep his or her mind engaged for many weeks and months.

The Pythagorean idea that number is the key to understanding reality inspired Neoplatonist philosophers in the fourth and fifth centuries to develop theories in physics and metaphysics based on mathematical models. The theories produced by this revived interest in Pythagoreanism were to becomeinfluential in medieval and early modern philosophy, and this book makes use of some newly-discovered evidence to examine for the first time the development of those theories.

The celebrated mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras left no writings. But what if he had and the manuscript had never been found? Where would it be located? Two mathematicians, one American, one British, set out, unbeknownst to each other, to find the missing manuscript.

In this follow-up to his popular Science Secrets, Alberto A. Martinez discusses various popular myths from the history of mathematics: that Pythagoras proved the hypotenuse theorem, that Archimedes figured out how to test the purity of a gold crown while he was in a bathtub, that the Golden Ratio is in nature and ancient architecture, that the young Galois created group theory the night before the pistol duel that killed him, and more. Some stories are partly true, others are entirely false, but all show the power of invention in history. Pythagoras emerges as a symbol of the urge to conjecture and "fill in the gaps" of history. He has been credited with fundamental discoveries in mathematics and the sciences, yet there is nearly no evidence that he really contributed anything to such fields at all. This book asks: how does history change when we subtract the many small exaggerations and interpolations that writers have added for over two thousand years? The Cult of Pythagoras is also about invention in a positive sense. Most people view mathematical breakthroughs as "discoveries" rather than invention or creativity, believing that mathematics describes a realm of eternal ideas. But mathematicians have disagreed about what is possible and impossible, about what counts as a proof, and even about the results of certain operations. Was there ever invention in the history of concepts such as zero, negative numbers, imaginary numbers, quaternions, infinity, and infinitesimals? Martinez inspects a wealth of primary sources, in several languages, over a span of many centuries. By exploring disagreements and ambiguities in the history of the elements of mathematics, The Cult of Pythagoras dispels myths that obscure the actual origins of mathematical concepts. Martinez argues that an accurate history that analyzes myths reveals neglected aspects of mathematics that can encourage creativity in students and mathematicians.

An introduction to the life of the mathematician and philosopher, Pythagoras