ABSTRACT
What can be gleaned about Aristoxenus' general musical writings suggests that they were subject to methodological influences different from those affecting the Harmonics. In Chapters One and Two we noted Aristoxenus' reaction against the methods of Pythagoreans and harmonikoi, as well as his attempt in the Harmonics to create a science conforming to the Aristotelian model of an axiomatic-deductive science as it is set out in the Posterior Analytics. The Harmonics shows the author's particular awareness that he is forging a new approach to this subject and that he is eager to distance himself from earlier efforts. The methodology established for the harmonic treatise was then applied to the Rhythmics. On the other hand, the fragmentary remains of Aristoxenus' other works show different aspects of Aristotelian influence and the relatively greater significance of his early Pythagorean training.
