Pythagoras: Mathematician, Philosopher, and Founder of the Pythagorean School
Early Life:
Pythagoras, one of the most influential figures in the history of mathematics and philosophy, is believed to have been born around 570 BC on the island of Samos in the Aegean Sea. Much of what is known about Pythagoras comes from later sources, and separating historical fact from legend can be challenging.
According to tradition, Pythagoras was born to Pythais and Mnesarchus, a merchant. Early in his life, Pythagoras is said to have traveled extensively, learning from different cultures and traditions. Some accounts even suggest that he studied under Thales, the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician, in Miletus.
Education in Egypt:
Pythagoras is believed to have traveled to Egypt, where he studied mathematics, geometry, and astronomy. The Egyptian priests and scholars were known for their advanced knowledge in these fields, and Pythagoras likely acquired valuable insights during his time in Egypt.
It is said that Pythagoras visited various other centers of learning in the ancient world, including Babylon, where he is said to have learned about the mathematical principles of the Babylonians.
Establishment of the Pythagorean School:
Around 530 BC, Pythagoras established a community and a school in Croton (modern-day Crotone) in southern Italy. This community, known as the Pythagorean Brotherhood, followed a set of principles that combined mathematical and philosophical teachings.
The Pythagorean School emphasized the study of mathematics, music, and philosophy as a means of achieving a harmonious life. The school also had a mystical and religious aspect, with a focus on numerology and the belief in the significance of numbers.
Contributions to Mathematics:
Pythagoras is best known for the Pythagorean theorem, a fundamental principle in geometry that bears his name. According to the theorem, in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
While the theorem may have been known to mathematicians before Pythagoras, he is credited with its widespread dissemination and popularization. The Pythagorean theorem has profound implications in geometry and is foundational to various branches of mathematics.
Political Involvement and Legacy:
Pythagoras and his followers played a role in the political life of Croton, but their influence eventually led to internal strife and conflict. The Pythagoreans faced opposition, and Pythagoras himself is said to have fled to Metapontum, where he died around 495 BC.
The Pythagorean School continued to exist after Pythagoras’ death, but it faced challenges and eventual decline. Nevertheless, Pythagoras’ contributions to mathematics and philosophy endured and had a lasting impact on Western thought.
Pythagoras became a legendary figure, and his teachings influenced later mathematicians, including Euclid. The Pythagorean theorem remains a cornerstone of geometry, and Pythagoras’ broader ideas about the significance of numbers and harmony continue to resonate in both mathematics and philosophy.
