Pythagoras
All is number — mathematics as cosmic order
Mathematician, mystic, and founder of a religious-philosophical community in southern Italy. The insight that mathematical ratios underlie musical harmony led to the doctrine that all is number — the universe is structured by proportion. His theorem bears his name; his influence on Plato and all subsequent mathematical philosophy is immeasurable.
Key works
- (No surviving writings)— Teachings transmitted by disciples — the Pythagorean school