From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordMesotēs is a mean or intermediate relation.
- In StobaeusThe survey of soul as harmony distinguishes bodily harmony from mathematical harmony.
- In this edition“Mean” preserves the mathematical vocabulary; “mediation” explains its connective function.
- A place to beginMathematical harmony mediates and binds different realities.
- English renderings
- mean; mediation; intermediate relation
Meaning
Mesotēs is a mean or intermediate relation. In a mathematical account it can provide a bond between things that differ.
Use in the book
The survey of soul as harmony distinguishes bodily harmony from mathematical harmony. Moderatus emphasizes making differences commensurate, while the account attributed to Timaeus treats harmony as a mean and bond in substances, lives, and generation. The term here is relational and mathematical, not automatically the ethical doctrine of a mean between vices.
Places to read
- I.49.32.8Mathematical harmony mediates and binds different realities.
Translation in this edition
“Mean” preserves the mathematical vocabulary; “mediation” explains its connective function.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 364. The source’s reference identifies Timaeus of Locri; it should not be treated without qualification as a direct reference to Plato’s dialogue.