From the Polis to the Body. Alcmaeon's ἰσονομία and the notion of ἁρμονία in Philolaus, Archytas and Aristoxenus

Abstract

The article examines the relationship between Alcmaeon of Croton and the Pythagoreans. The analysis focuses on fragment 24 B 4 DK in which health is defined as ἰσονομία of the δυνάμεις, in opposition to disease (due to μοναρχία). Starting from these doctrine attributed to him, and the reference to τεκμήρια in fragment 24 B 1 DK, the paper aims to show how, through Philolaus and Archytas, the latter a disciple of the former, those aspects of Alcmaeon’s reflection connected with αἴσθησις may have influenced the Pythagorean-Peripatetic Aristoxenus of Tarentum, the earliest music theorist whose some writings survive, who regarded αἴσθησις as the most important vehicle for understanding music.