The Seven Ages of Philosophy
Explore diverse Eastern philosophies from China, India, Japan, and Persia. Uncover ancient to Medieval thinkers and themes shaping our understanding of life, ethics, and metaphysics.
Ancient Philosophy pre 400 BCE
Ancient philosophy, also known as pre-Socratic philosophy, refers to the philosophical traditions and thought that emerged in the ancient world prior to the time of Socrates (around 470-399 BCE). This period is marked by the early inquiries into fundamental questions about the nature of reality, the cosmos, existence, and the fundamental principles underlying the world. Here are some key aspects and figures of ancient philosophy:
- Milesian School (6th century BCE):
- The Milesian philosophers, including Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, were among the first to engage in systematic philosophical speculation. They sought to identify the basic substance (archê) underlying all of existence. Thales proposed that water was the fundamental substance, Anaximander suggested the indefinite, and Anaximenes believed air to be the primary substance.
- Pythagoreanism (6th-5th century BCE):
- The Pythagoreans, followers of Pythagoras, believed in the centrality of numbers and mathematical principles in understanding the nature of reality. They explored the relationship between mathematics and the cosmos.
- Heraclitus (c. 535-475 BCE):
- Heraclitus is known for his doctrine of constant change and the idea that everything is in flux. He famously said, “You cannot step into the same river twice,” emphasizing the impermanence of the world.
- Parmenides (c. 515-450 BCE):
- Parmenides argued for the existence of a single, unchanging reality and denied the reality of change and multiplicity. His philosophy explored the nature of being and non-being.
- Empedocles (c. 490-430 BCE):
- Empedocles proposed a theory of the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire) and the forces of love and strife as the principles governing the cosmos.
- Anaxagoras (c. 500-428 BCE):
- Anaxagoras introduced the concept of nous (mind or intellect) as the principle responsible for the ordering and organization of the universe.
- Atomism (Leucippus and Democritus):
- Leucippus and his student Democritus developed the atomic theory, positing that all matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms. This theory laid the foundation for modern atomic theory.
- Sophists:
- The Sophists were itinerant teachers and rhetoricians who offered instruction in various subjects, including ethics and politics. They often challenged traditional beliefs and values.
- Presocratic Cosmology:
- Many pre-Socratic philosophers were concerned with cosmology and the origins of the universe. They sought naturalistic explanations for the cosmos and its phenomena.
- Influence on Later Philosophy:
- The ideas and inquiries of these early philosophers laid the groundwork for subsequent philosophical traditions, including the works of Plato and Aristotle, and continue to influence contemporary philosophy.
Ancient philosophy represents the earliest recorded attempts to grapple with profound philosophical questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and existence. It marked the transition from mythological and religious explanations to rational and philosophical inquiry, setting the stage for the development of Western philosophy.
St. Augustine: Bridging Faith and Reason
Uncover the profound teachings of St. Augustine, a philosopher who masterfully intertwined faith and reason. Journey through his extraordinary life and explore his revolutionary concepts of sin, grace, predestination, and the influential impact he has had on Christian theology and Western philosophy.
Thales: The First Philosopher
Discover the fascinating world of Thales, the ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician, astronomer, and statesman who revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Explore his groundbreaking ideas on the fundamental substance of the universe and how they laid the groundwork for modern scientific and philosophical inquiry.
Empedocles: The Ancient Philosopher of Nature’s Four Roots
Explore the intriguing beliefs of Empedocles, the multifaceted philosopher, poet, politician, and healer from ancient Greece. Delve into his thoughts on the fundamental elements and forces of the universe, as well as his early theories on evolution, in this captivating journey through the world of philosophy.
Anaxagoras: The Mind Behind Ancient Greek Philosophy
Discover the profound impact of Anaxagoras, a groundbreaking pre-Socratic philosopher who forever changed the course of philosophy with his revolutionary ideas about the cosmos. Delve into his captivating life and thought-provoking concepts that still inspire us to question our assumptions about the universe.
Anaximenes of Miletus: Early science and philosophy
Embark on an intellectual adventure as we delve into the intriguing philosophy of Anaximenes, an early Greek thinker whose ideas still resonate with curiosity and wonder today. Discover how his innovative theories about air condensation and rarefaction laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of the natural world.
Anaximander: The Pioneer of Early Greek Philosophy
Step into the world of Anaximander, the pioneering philosopher of ancient Greece who dared to question and explore the mysteries of the universe. From his revolutionary ideas on the origins of life to his cosmic maps, discover the incredible legacy of this brilliant thinker through a list of recommended resources.
Pythagoras – So much more than just a triangle man.
Discover the remarkable life and teachings of Pythagoras, a celebrated philosopher and mathematician. Explore his groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, including the famous Pythagorean theorem, and delve into his profound influence on Western philosophy and ethical principles.
Heraclitus: The Eternal Flux of Life and Thought
Explore the mysterious ideas of ancient thinker Heraclitus on change, harmony, and conflict through his surviving texts.