The Beginnings of Greek Philosophy Essay -- Science Math Stars Papers

The Beginnings of classic Philosophy The Milesians and Heraclitus immense before the time of Thales, a citizen of Miletus, in the district of Ionia on the air jacket coast of Asia Minor, Chaldaen astrologers had listed data on the position of the stars and planets. As Thales studied these tables he thought he discerned a pattern or regularity in the occurrence of eclipses, and he ventured to predict a solar eclipse that occurred on May 28th 585BC. Some scholars think that this was just a well-heeled empirical guess, but if it was the discovery of an astronomical regularity or inbred law, then Thales may be credited with distinguishing Greek philosophy and experience from the somewhat aimless observations and disjointed information of the Eastern wise men. When a law is formulated, Mans wonder at the phenomenon is supposed to be satisfied, and nature is express to be explained and understood. Thales is also credited with the discovery of several theorems of geometry and with dip lomatic, engineering, and economic exploits. If on that point is a difference between science and philosophy, it is that the regularities of science are comparatively restricted, whereas the more general principles, called philosophic apply to wider areas. Thaless more general speculations concerned the shaping of the universe. What is the world made of? Are in that location many elements or is thither but one? And if one, what is it? These questions dominated the entire Pre-Socratic period and they are lock away live issues today and if Thaless answer seems crude to a so-called civilise 21st century mind, his motivation and procedure may prove as profound as any contemporary inspiration. As a outcome of fact, Thales taught that all things are made of water, and we may imagine re... ...uch a person, so hardy as to suggest that reality is spiritual and not material, would dumbfound to be a genius as great as Plato. on that point is a much easier choice that can be made. The great minds of antique Greek thought with all their scientific acumen, so it may be concluded, have failed to find any truth. The reason for their failure is simply that there is no truth to be found. Knowledge is impossible. This conclusion is a agreeable relief after such arduous philosophising and besides, it offers great opportunities for ambitious little thinkers. Thus there arose in Greece the movement known as Sophism. Bibliography JOHNS, B. primaeval Greek Philosophical Thought New York, 1976 MARTIN, K. A History of Greek Philosophy New York and London, 1981 McCONNELL, T. The Pre-Socratic Philosophers Dublin 1988 CARSON, N. Exploring the Pre-Socratics London, 1985