Pre-Socratic Philosophy
Explanations for "how the world came to be" were based on the supernatural until the Pre-Socratic philosophers found natural explanations for phenomena.
Atomism - Pre-Socratic Philosophy of Atomism
Atomism was a pre-socratic philosophy that explained that all of nature is composed of indivisible units called atoms and the void.
Atomism was a pre-socratic philosophy that explained that all of nature is composed of indivisible units called atoms and the void.
Timeline of Greek and Roman Philosophers
A timeline of major ancient Greek and Roman philosophers with links to more information on the individual philosophers.
A timeline of major ancient Greek and Roman philosophers with links to more information on the individual philosophers.
Presocratic Philosophers
Those before or contemporary with Socrates who examined how the universe was created and what were the essential elements were called Presocratic philosophers. Presocratics include Thales, Pythagoras, and Empedocles.
Those before or contemporary with Socrates who examined how the universe was created and what were the essential elements were called Presocratic philosophers. Presocratics include Thales, Pythagoras, and Empedocles.
Introduction to Presocratic Philosophy
Early natural philosophy didn't spring up in a vacuum but borrowed from the mythographers.
Early natural philosophy didn't spring up in a vacuum but borrowed from the mythographers.
Overcoming Fear of Ancient Philosophy
Perfect understanding is impossible, but an acquaintance can be useful -- even profitable.
Perfect understanding is impossible, but an acquaintance can be useful -- even profitable.
The Origin of Philosophy: Why the Greeks?
Kelley L. Ross shows how the commercial democracy of Athens provided the necessary basis for the development of philosophy and also warns that a vast educated class is inimical to freedom.
Kelley L. Ross shows how the commercial democracy of Athens provided the necessary basis for the development of philosophy and also warns that a vast educated class is inimical to freedom.
Ionian School and the 1st Philosophers
From Hellas Online, the central issues pursued by the natural philosophers.
From Hellas Online, the central issues pursued by the natural philosophers.
Parmenides
Article on the philosopher Parmenides, his philosophy, and the transmission of his metaphysics.
Article on the philosopher Parmenides, his philosophy, and the transmission of his metaphysics.
Parmenides by Plato
Plato's dialogue on Parmenides from the Classics Internet Library.
Plato's dialogue on Parmenides from the Classics Internet Library.
Naturalism
This article on the period of Naturalism traces the thinking of the early philosophers with emphasis on their quest for an underlying, unifying principle.
This article on the period of Naturalism traces the thinking of the early philosophers with emphasis on their quest for an underlying, unifying principle.
Inventing the Solar System
Evolution in early mythological and scientific thinking about celestial movement.
Evolution in early mythological and scientific thinking about celestial movement.