Pythagorean Thought in the Modern World: Exploring Atanasijević’s Perspective on Its Relevance

Abstract

In her writings on ancient philosophy, Ksenija Atanasijević deals with the most important aspects of Pythagorean thought – the theory of number and harmony, the doctrine of transmigration of souls, as well as Pythagorean protofeminism. Furthermore, she proposes that Pythagorean thought is still very much relevant for the modern world, particularly contemporary science. In this chapter, we offer substantial evidence in support of her claim. The Pythagorean-Platonic thesis that the structure of the world can be explained by harmonious whole-number ratios of physical quantities is very significant, and inspired by musical analogy. Although an aesthetic approach to the study of nature appears to be mostly outdated, it is important to note that it survives in a different, modernized form within some leading scientific theories. Further, the chapter discusses the Pythagorean doctrine of “transmigration of souls.” Could Pythagorean metempsychosis be an early version of the thesis of the continuity of life? Finally, one of the milestones of Pythagorean practice was to provide philosophical education to gifted women. It could be said that Pythagoreans undertook the first serious steps in the direction of women’s emancipation. Atanasijević’s thesis that some of the most notable Pythagorean philosophical ideas are represented in modern world appears to be quite plausible and is clearly supported by influential scholars.