Pre-Socratic-Philosophy: understanding..

PRE SOCRATIC PHILOSOPY UNDERSTANDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF WESTERN THOUGHT

1. Pre-Socratic Philosophy : Understanding the Foundations of Western Thought

2. Objectives By the end of this presentation, students will be able to: Identify key Pre-Socratic philosophers and their contributions. Understand the shift from mythological to rational explanations of the universe. Analyze how Pre-Socratic ideas influenced later philosophical and scientific thought. Compare and contrast different philosophical perspectives on the nature of reality.

3. Pre-Socratic Philosophy Pre-Socratic philosophy refers to the early Greek thinkers before Socrates (6th–5th century BCE). These philosophers sought natural explanations for the universe, moving away from mythological interpretations. Key focus areas: metaphysics, cosmology, and the nature of existence.

4. Thales of Miletus (c. 624–546 BCE) Considered the first philosopher in Western tradition. Proposed that water is the fundamental substance (arche) of all things. Believed in natural causes rather than divine intervention. Used geometry to measure distances and heights. Predicted a solar eclipse, demonstrating that natural events follow patterns.

5. Anaximander (c. 610–546 BCE) Suggested that the 'apeiron' (infinite or boundless) is the source of all things. Introduced the idea of evolution and a form of the scientific method. Proposed that the Earth floats freely in space, without the need for external support. Believed that life originated in water and gradually adapted to land.

6. Anaximenes (c. 586–526 BCE) Believed that air (pneuma) is the fundamental substance. Suggested that changes in matter result from processes of rarefaction and condensation. Laid the foundation for later theories on elements and material transformation. Thought that different physical states (solid, liquid, gas) arise from the density of air.

7. Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE) Best known for mathematical contributions (Pythagorean Theorem). Believed that numbers and mathematical relationships underpin reality. Founded a religious and philosophical movement with an emphasis on harmony and order. Taught that the soul is immortal and undergoes reincarnation. Advocated for a structured, ascetic lifestyle based on numerical relationships.

8. Heraclitus (c. 535–475 BCE) Famous for the idea that "everything flows" (panta rhei). Believed fire is the primary element and symbolizes constant change. Emphasized the unity of opposites (e.g., war and peace coexist). Saw change as the fundamental essence of reality. Argued that struggle and conflict drive transformation in the universe.

9. Parmenides (c. 515–450 BCE) Argued that reality is unchanging and that change is an illusion. Introduced the concept that being is one, eternal, and indivisible. His ideas influenced later metaphysical debates. Asserted that human perception is deceptive and cannot be trusted. Believed that reason, rather than sensory experience, leads to truth.

10. Empedocles (c. 494–434 BCE) Proposed that everything consists of four root elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Introduced the forces of Love (attraction) and Strife (repulsion) as cosmic principles. Combined philosophical and mystical ideas in his works. Suggested that these elements mix and separate under the influence of Love and Strife. Proposed a form of evolutionary theory, where life forms emerged through natural selection.

11. Anaxagoras (c. 500–428 BCE) Introduced the concept of "nous" (mind) as the cosmic ordering principle. Suggested that everything contains a portion of everything else. His ideas bridged the gap between physical and metaphysical explanations. Proposed that the sun is a massive fiery rock rather than a divine being. His theories contributed to early scientific thought and astronomy.

12. Democritus (c. 460–370 BCE) Developed the early atomic theory, stating that everything is composed of indivisible atoms. Believed that reality is made up of void (empty space) and atoms in motion. His materialistic approach influenced later scientific thinking. Proposed that atoms have different shapes and move in an infinite void. Suggested that human thoughts and sensations result from the movement of atoms in the soul.

13. Protagoras (c. 490 BCE – c. 420 BCE) A Sophist, meaning he was a professional teacher of rhetoric and philosophy . Advocated for relativism: Truth depends on individual perception. Key idea: "Man is the measure of all things," suggesting reality is subjective. Emphasized practical knowledge over abstract speculation. His ideas remain relevant in debates on truth, morality, and cultural relativism. Socrates and Plato criticized him for undermining objective truth.

14. Conclusion & Legacy of Pre-Socratic Thought Shifted from mythological to rational explanations of the universe. Laid the groundwork for later philosophical traditions, including Socratic and Platonic thought. Influenced science, metaphysics, and ethics in Western philosophy. Their ideas paved the way for scientific inquiry and logical reasoning. Provided alternative perspectives that questioned traditional religious views.

15. Discussion Questions How did Pre-Socratic philosophers change the way people thought about the world? Which philosopher’s ideas do you find most interesting and why?

16. Objective-Type Questions Who is considered the first Western philosopher?

17. 2. What did Anaximenes believe was the fundamental substance of all things?

18. 3. What is Heraclitus’ famous concept about change?

19. 4. Which philosopher introduced the idea of the four root elements?

20. 5. What was Pythagoras primarily known for? Mathematical contributions, Pythagorean Theorem

21. 6. Who proposed the concept of 'apeiron' as the origin of everything?

22. 7. What principle did Anaxagoras introduce to explain cosmic order?

23. 8. What is the main idea behind Democritus' atomic theory?

24. 9. Which Pre-Socratic philosopher believed that reality is unchanging?

25. 10. What forces did Empedocles believe governed the mixing and separation of elements?

26. Objective-Type Questions Who is considered the first Western philosopher? Thales of Miletus What did Anaximenes believe was the fundamental substance of all things? Air (pneuma) What is Heraclitus’ famous concept about change? Everything flows (panta rhei) Which philosopher introduced the idea of the four root elements? Empedocles What was Pythagoras primarily known for? Numbers Who proposed the concept of 'apeiron' as the origin of everything? Anaximander What principle did Anaxagoras introduce to explain cosmic order? Nous (Mind) What is the main idea behind Democritus' atomic theory? Everything is composed of indivisible atoms Which Pre-Socratic philosopher believed that reality is unchanging? Parmenides What forces did Empedocles believe governed the mixing and separation of elements? Love and Strife