Damon of Athens (Δάμων ὁ Ἀθηναῖος) Dates: 5th century BCE (fl. c. 440–420 BCE) Era: Classical School or Tradition: Sophistic movement; Music theory, harmonics Role: Music theorist, sophist, political advisor Dialect: Attic (fragmentary transmission) Format: Collection (fragments and testimonia)

Life Damon, son of Damonides, was an Athenian sophist and music theorist active in the mid-5th century BCE, a contemporary and associate of Pericles. He was a student of the sophist Prodicus and perhaps also of the Pythagorean Lamprocles [1]. Ancient sources consistently portray him as a close advisor to Pericles, with Plutarch stating that Damon "seems to have been a sophist of the highest order, who hid his cleverness behind the name of music and imposed upon Pericles as a teacher of the art" [1][2]. His political influence was significant enough that he was ostracized from Athens, likely around 443/2 BCE, a fate often interpreted as a result of his perceived undue influence over Pericles or his association with controversial intellectual circles [1][2][3]. He was later recalled from exile. He was a citizen of the Athenian deme Oe (ὁ ἐξ Οἴης) [1].

His expertise was primarily in the theory of music (mousikē), which in the classical Greek context encompassed poetry, melody, and rhythm as an integrated cultural and educational force. He is credited with developing theories on the ethical and political effects of musical modes and rhythms on the human soul (ēthos theory), arguing that changes in a city's music could lead to changes in its fundamental laws (nomoi) [1][2][4]. This intellectual position placed him at the intersection of sophistic pedagogy, political theory, and harmonics.

Works Damon's own writings do not survive. Our knowledge of his theories comes entirely from fragments, testimonia, and reports in later authors, primarily Plato, Aristides Quintilianus, and Plutarch [1][2]. The titles of works attributed to him are uncertain and come from late sources. Based on the provided metadata and source references, no specific, reliably attested titles for two discrete works are found in the approved sources. The sources refer only to his theories and ideas as reported by others. Therefore: * His doctrines on music and its political effects (transmitted fragmentarily) [1][2][4]. * Not found in approved sources: Specific titles for two works.

Significance Damon is a pivotal but shadowy figure in the history of Greek intellectual life. He represents the early application of systematic theory to music, specifically its psychological and social dimensions. His ēthos theory, which posited a direct causal link between musical structures and the character of both individuals and the state, was highly influential. This theory is critically examined and developed by Plato in the Republic and the Laws, where the educational and political regulation of music is a major theme [1][2]. Through Plato, Damon's ideas profoundly shaped subsequent Western thought on aesthetics, education, and politics. His role as a sophist and advisor to Pericles also makes him a significant figure for understanding the intellectual milieu of Periclean Athens and the practical intersection of philosophical theory and political power in the classical period [1][3].

Sources 1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Plato): https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato-education/#MusEdu 2. Perseus Digital Library (Plutarch, Pericles, 4): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0069%3Achapter%3D4 3. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-2037 4. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://iep.utm.edu/aristoxenus/#H2