Possible Pythagorean Influences on Plato's Views of Physical Education in the Republic

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the Pythagoreans and Plato in order to further illuminate the derivations of Plato's views of physical education. Concepts from Pythagorean and Platonic writings were examined. A search for historical connections between Plato and the Pythagoreans was made. Possible Pythagorean influences on specific Platonic concepts of physical education were suggested. General concepts in The Republic which appear to be influenced by Pythagoreanism were the theories of soul, forms, harmony, justice, and simplicity. Related to these concepts, but more inherent to physical education specifically, the following concepts were thought to be of Pythagorean origin: that the pre-eminent objective of physical education was character training, that the body was inferior to the soul and needed physical education primarily to prepare it for service to the soul, that simplicity of diet and regimen was to be maintained for an adequate physical education program, and that participation in physical education was not reserved for men but also included women.