THE EDUCATIONAL ROLE OF HARMONICS IN PLATO’S REPUBLIC VII

Authors

  • Eirini Nikolaou Senior Teaching Fellow, Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v10i12.5126

Keywords:

Plato, harmonics, mathematical sciences, society, music education

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.

 

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Author Biography

  • Eirini Nikolaou, Senior Teaching Fellow, Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Greece

    Dr. Eirini Nikolaou graduated as a musicologist from the Department of Music Studies (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens). She received the Msc degree and PhD degree from the Department of Philosophy-Pedagogy-Psychology of Ioannina University (Greece). Furthermore, she has a Diploma as a Piano soloist and Composer, where she took the first and second awards as well. She is a Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Primary Education in Ioannina University, teaching Music Education and conducting the Choir of the Department. Her research interests are focused on Music Education, on Philosophy of Music Education, Music in Antiquity, Arts Integration, ICT in music learning and composition. She is the author of two books in Greek, in the field of music education. Her work has been published in international and Greek journals and in conference proceedings.

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Published

2023-12-05

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 12 (2023)

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Articles

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