The strange astronomical theory of Philolaus

Speaker

Prof. Lucio Russo - University of Rome - Tor Vergata. Department of Mathematics 

Abstract

According to the astronomical system traditionally attributed to the Pythagorean Philolaus, the Sun, Planets, Earth and an invisible "Anti-Earth" would orbit a "central fire" that was also invisible.

This theory helped perpetuate the idea of Greek thinkers who, uninterested in phenomena, came up with strange conceptions based on aprioristic ideas.

A careful analysis of the sources shows that Philolaus had proposed an entirely reasonable system and that the traditional version is the result of a misunderstanding on the part of Aristotle, whose authority erased the memory of more valid alternative interpretations.