Final answer:
Pythagoras discovered mathematical equations to measure musical notes, relating math with cosmic and harmonic principles, and influenced future philosophical thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that Pythagoras discovered mathematical equations used to measure notes and sounds. Pythagoras, a brilliant mathematician, was deeply intrigued by how mathematics could explain the natural world. His exploration into the mathematical laws of the universe extended to the realm of music, positing that musical notes and cosmic harmony are governed by mathematical relationships. Pythagoras believed that numerical relationships revealed through music could unlock the mysteries of the universe, an idea that would influence later philosophical thought, including Plato's doctrine of the transmigration of souls.
In his musical studies, Pythagoras investigated the mathematical ratios responsible for harmonic sounds. He observed that the pitch of a note produced by a plucked string changed with its length, leading him to the conclusion that the properties and essence of things are determined by their numerical constitution. This relationship between math and music reflects the Pythagorean theorem's utility beyond geometry, extending to the understanding of harmonics and the harmony of the spheres—a concept where each planet produces a musical note based on its distance from Earth, culminating in a celestial symphony.