Abstract
In the study we follow the concept of the nature of the rhythmic arrangement and its effect in the reflections of Alfred North Whitehead. We show that rhythm is understood by Whitehead as a means of preventing decay, which on the one hand appears to be incomprehensible diversity and, on the other, to the simple monotony of repetition.
In this context, we follow Whitehead's concept of rhythm as a union of stability and novelty. However, we turn also to the question of keeping the rhythm impressive.
With some related Henri Bergson's considerations, we point out that, in Whitehead's conception, this retention is associated with variation, a change added to the rhythmic arrangement. At the same time, however, it appears that this experimentation cannot revive the effect of a certain harmony indefinitely.
An adventurous approach is therefore needed to find a totally new harmony. In relation to a certain rhythmic arrangement, it can be said that in a situation of exhaustion of the possibilities of its changes, which maintain its effect, it is necessary to leave the given arrangement and to establish new one.