The Divinity of Number: the Importance of Number in the Philosophy of Pythagoras
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Fall Semester, 2009
History of Philosophy
PLTL 1111 AA
THE DIVINITY OF NUMBER:
The Importance of Number in the Philosophy of Pythagoras
by
Br. Paul Phuoc Trong Chu, SDB
Pythagoras and his followers, the Pythagoreans, were profoundly fascinated with numbers. In this paper, I will show that the heart of Pythagoras’ philosophy centers on numbers. As true to the spirit of Pythagoras, I will demonstrate this in seven ways. One, the principle of reality is mathematics and its essence is numbers. Two, odd and even numbers signify the finite and infinite. Three, perfect numbers correspond with virtues. Four, the generation of numbers leads to an understanding of the One, the Divinity. Five, the tetractys is important for understanding reality. Six, the ratio of numbers in the tetractys governs musical harmony. Seven, the laws of harmony explain workings of the material world.
The Pythagoreans “believed that [the principles of mathematics] are the principles of all things that are”. Further, “number is the first of these principles”.[1] “’The numerals of Pythagoras,’ says Porphyry, who lived about 300 A. D., ‘were hieroglyphic symbols, by means whereof he explained all ideas concerning the nature of things…’”[2] In modern time, we can see clearly the application of mathematical principles in our daily lives. For example, the computer that I am using now to type this paper operates on number. Each letter and symbol on this page has a corresponding numerical value inside the computer. The image I see on the computer screen consists of millions of tiny pixels each displaying a specific color generated by its corresponding numerical value. Because letters, symbols, and images can be “enumerated” in a computer, one can manipulate these numerical values to simulate reality via mathematical principles. Thus, we can see reality based on its numerical representation.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Fall Semester, 2009
History of Philosophy
PLTL 1111 AA
THE DIVINITY OF NUMBER:
The Importance of Number in the Philosophy of Pythagoras
by
Br. Paul Phuoc Trong Chu, SDB
Pythagoras and his followers, the Pythagoreans, were profoundly fascinated with numbers. In this paper, I will show that the heart of Pythagoras’ philosophy centers on numbers. As true to the spirit of Pythagoras, I will demonstrate this in seven ways. One, the principle of reality is mathematics and its essence is numbers. Two, odd and even numbers signify the finite and infinite. Three, perfect numbers correspond with virtues. Four, the generation of numbers leads to an understanding of the One, the Divinity. Five, the tetractys is important for understanding reality. Six, the ratio of numbers in the tetractys governs musical harmony. Seven, the laws of harmony explain workings of the material world.
The Pythagoreans “believed that [the principles of mathematics] are the principles of all things that are”. Further, “number is the first of these principles”.[1] “’The numerals of Pythagoras,’ says Porphyry, who lived about 300 A. D., ‘were hieroglyphic symbols, by means whereof he explained all ideas concerning the nature of things…’”[2] In modern time, we can see clearly the application of mathematical principles in our daily lives. For example, the computer that I am using now to type this paper operates on number. Each letter and symbol on this page has a corresponding numerical value inside the computer. The image I see on the computer screen consists of millions of tiny pixels each displaying a specific color generated by its corresponding numerical value. Because letters, symbols, and images can be “enumerated” in a computer, one can manipulate these numerical values to simulate reality via mathematical principles. Thus, we can see reality based on its numerical representation.
Cited: Reeve, C. D. C. and Miller, Patrick Lee. Introductory Readings in Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy. “Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans”, pages 4-6. Indianapolis/Cambridge: Hacket Publishing Company, Inc. 2006 The Pythagorean Theory of Music and Color