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  2. HDS 1234

Mathematics, Music, and Metempsychosis: Pythagoras and Pythagoreanism
HDS 1234

Jointly Offered with: Faculty of Arts & Sciences as RELIGION 1311

Course Information

Description

This course will introduce students to the mysterious early Greek philosopher Pythagoras (c. 570-495 BCE), famous for teaching that the cosmos was composed of numbers and ratios, which correspond to a kind of cosmic music or "harmony of the spheres," and that souls are immortal and reincarnate (metempsychosis). Pythagoras' life and teachings are shrouded in mystery, but legends abound. He and the Pythagorean movement he inspired exerted enormous influence on ancient philosophy (including Plato and Aristotle) and science, and medieval and modern esotericism in the West and the East. There are no prerequisites, but previous coursework in ancient philosophy is recommended.

School Harvard Divinity School
Credits 4
Cross Reg

Available for BTI Cross Registration

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Course Component Seminar
Instruction Mode In Person
Grading Basis HDS Student Option (LG/SUS/AUD)
MTS/ThM Area of Focus Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean
Religious Thought, Philosophy, and Theology
Arts of Ministry N/A
MDiv Histories, Theologies, and Practices Greek and Roman Religions
Paganism/Earth Centered Religions
Language Course Type N/A
Language Taught N/A
MDiv Scriptural Interpretation Greek and Roman Religions
Paganism/Earth Centered Religions
Course Level N/A