The World-Soul as the Principal of Unity in the Pythagorean Philosophy: Monad Cover Image

Pythagorasçı Felsefede Tekliğin İlkesi Olarak Külli Ruh: Monad
The World-Soul as the Principal of Unity in the Pythagorean Philosophy: Monad

Author(s): Aynur Çınar
Subject(s): History of Philosophy, Metaphysics, Ancient Philosphy, Philosophy of Religion, History of Religion
Published by: Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi İlahyat Fakültesi
Keywords: History of Religions; Philosophy; Pythagoreanism; Monad; World-Soul; Orphism; Apollo; Dionysos;

Summary/Abstract: Pythagoras and Pythagoreanism have a different position in the ancient philosophy tradition. The reason for this is the eclectical structure of Pythagoreanism which has syncretized from Orphism, Indian and Egyptian religions with philosophy. Orphism of these religions is especially important for affecting Pythagoreanism the most and giving to the ancient Greek religion a mystical content. Orphism which is a mystery cult is based on Orpheus, the poet, who sometimes is identified with Pythagoras in philosophy and the history of religions. Orpheus, was attributed divine character by virtue of his beautiful voice and hymns in the ancient history, has brought many religious and philosophic elements such as reincarnation and unity with God to the Greek religion. The way of life and creeds of Orphism based on asceticism and wisdom, first affected Italian philosophy starting from Pythagoras and, later influenced both philosophy and the other religions such as Judaism and Christianity through Plato. The reason for this was the Orphism’s stronger theological structure than the Greek religion had. Thus, philosophy, the Miletus philosophers tried to purify from the Homeric religion, has regained some spirituality through Orphism and Pythagoras. Pythagoras, a philosopher and a religious leader, accepted students to his philosophy school by initiation in Crotone. In this way, Pythagoreanism gained the quality of both a school of philosophy and a community of mystery. In this school, Pythagoras constituted a strong natural philosophy based on the idea of arkhe consisting of numbers, and the system of mathematics and music. At the same time, for he was a religious leader, Pythagoras used his school both to teach philosophy and to celebrate the teletaic mystery rituals of Orphism. According to the Pythagoreans, as a master, Pythagoras has united with the spirit of Dionysos and has privileged to rise to the World-Soul of God.

  • Issue Year: 25/2021
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 679-694
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Turkish