Alumni

Often referred to as “The Harmony of the Spheres,” the ancient notion that the planets sound musical notes as they revolve in their orbits was in reality a much more far-reaching idea. Originating in ancient Greece, the concept of heavenly harmony was soon extended to include the make-up of the soul and the proper functioning of the body, in addition to applications ranging from medicine to politics. By the 7th century the encyclopaedist Isidore of Seville could confidently claim that, “nothing is without music.” The idea that nearly everything could be understood in terms of harmony also had a mathematical basis connected with ratios which describe consonant musical intervals, such as the octave and the fifth. It was also an idea that grew deep roots, becoming embedded in western culture, to the point of serving as what might be called a theory of everything well into the 17th century, to be finally eclipsed by Newton’s theories of motion and gravity.

In this talk Professor Willey will provide a brief history of the idea, highlighting its appearances in culture through literature and art. Finally, he will note that in some ways String Theory, the physicists’ latest contender for a theory of everything, may represent the return of world harmony, but now at the most fundamental level of matter and energy.

This event is part of the Karl W. Weiss ’87 Faculty Lecture Series. No registration is required.

Click here to join the lecture on Zoom at the date and time listed above.

This is part of a series of live-streamed town-hall style meetings for alumni, parents and friends with Allegheny’s president, Dr. Hilary Link. During this session, President Link will provide an end-of-semester update and answer questions from the Allegheny community. A link through which you can submit questions in advance of the town hall will be sent in November.

Registration is required. The link to participate in the Town Hall was sent via email.