Pre-Socratic Philosophy

It includes the philosophical works of ancient Greek thinkers like Thales, Anaximander, Heraclitus, and others before the time of Socrates.

What is Pre-Socratic philosophy, and why is it significant?

- "Pre-Socratic philosophy, also known as Early Greek Philosophy, is ancient Greek philosophy before Socrates." - Pre-Socratic philosophy: "Pre-Socratic philosophy, also known as Early Greek Philosophy, is ancient Greek philosophy before Socrates."

What were the main areas of interest for Pre-Socratic philosophers?

- "Pre-Socratic philosophers were mostly interested in cosmology, the beginning and the substance of the universe, but the inquiries of these early philosophers spanned the workings of the natural world as well as human society, ethics, and religion."

How did Pre-Socratic philosophers approach explanations?

- "They sought explanations based on natural law rather than the actions of gods."

Why is there limited knowledge of the Pre-Socratic philosophers' views?

- "Their work and writing has been almost entirely lost."

Where does the knowledge of the Pre-Socratics come from?

- "Knowledge of their views comes from testimonia, i.e. later authors' discussions of the work of pre-Socratics."

What factors contributed to the fertile ground for philosophy in ancient Greece?

- "Philosophy found fertile ground in the ancient Greek world because of the close ties with neighboring civilizations and the rise of autonomous civil entities, poleis."

Who were the three Milesians and what did they attribute the arche of the world to?

- "Pre-Socratic philosophy began in the 6th century BCE with the three Milesians: Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes. They all attributed the arche of the world to, respectively, water, apeiron (the unlimited), and air."

Which philosopher criticized the anthropomorphism of gods?

- "Xenophanes is known for his critique of the anthropomorphism of gods."

What well-known concept did Heraclitus contribute to philosophy?

- "Heraclitus, who was notoriously difficult to understand, is known for his maxim on impermanence, ta panta rhei."

According to Pythagoras, what was the universe made up of?

- "Pythagoras created a cult-like following that advocated that the universe was made up of numbers."

Who were the three philosophers from the Eleatic school?

- "The Eleatic school (Parmenides, Zeno of Elea, and Melissus) followed in the 5th century BCE."

What did Parmenides claim about existence?

- "Parmenides claimed that only one thing exists and nothing can change."

Who defended Parmenides' opinion in the Eleatic school?

- "Zeno and Melissus mainly defended Parmenides' opinion."

What did Anaxagoras and Empedocles propose about the creation of the universe?

- "Anaxagoras and Empedocles offered a pluralistic account of how the universe was created."

What are Leucippus and Democritus known for?

- "Leucippus and Democritus are known for their atomism, and their views that only void and matter exist."

What philosophical idea did the Sophists advance?

- "The Sophists advanced philosophical relativism."

What concepts did the Pre-Socratics invent that are central to Western civilization?

- "The pre-Socratics invented some of the central concepts of Western civilization, such as naturalism and rationalism."

How did the Pre-Socratics pave the way for scientific methodology?

- "...and paved the way for scientific methodology."

Who were the early philosophers from nearby Ionian towns?

- "Another three pre-Socratic philosophers came from nearby Ionian towns: Xenophanes, Heraclitus, and Pythagoras."

Who were the three main philosophers associated with the Milesian school?

- "Pre-Socratic philosophy began in the 6th century BCE with the three Milesians: Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes."