Plato's Music: Outsmarting Aristotle in Nizami's Khamsa
2025-03-27
A 16th-century Mughal painting depicts Plato playing an instrument surrounded by seemingly sleeping animals. This unusual scene originates from Nizami's Khamsa, specifically Alexander the Great's section. Alexander holds a contest of wisdom among philosophers. Aristotle initially dominates, but Plato's unique instrument, capable of mimicking the sounds of all creatures, lulls animals to sleep and then awakens them, demonstrating a deeper wisdom. The story reflects medieval Islamic perspectives on Plato and Aristotle, showcasing Plato as a mystic.