THE EDUCATIONAL ROLE OF HARMONICS IN PLATO’S REPUBLIC VII

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discuss Plato's views concerning the mathematical aspects of music and its educational role, through the science of harmonics in Republic VII. Plato in his Republic includes harmonics as the fifth of the courses in a program of mathematical sciences (arithmetic, geometry, stereometry, astronomy, and harmonics) to be studied by the future philosopher-rulers, who are to become the best guardians and govern the ideal State. These mathematical sciences constitute the preparatory courses of the highest of all, which is dialectics. Τhe prominent place that mathematical sciences occupy in Plato's educational system, as that stage of education which helps the soul to turn towards true philosophy, is based on the fact that they contribute to the cultivation of cognitive skills, teach people how to think and help in the exercise of abstract thought. Harmonics have an equal, if not superior position, among the other mathematical sciences. Τhey are all connected with each other in terms of the result achieved by their study, that is, the conversion of the soul from the visible world to the intelligible world. This happens due to their mathematical way of thinking and their intelligible character, excluding their practical use and their involvement with empirical objects.  Article visualizations: