TALES DE MILETO 💦► Conoce al PRIMER Filósofo! 🤔 | Presocráticos #1
Introduction to Thales of Miletus
Overview of Presocratic Philosophers
- The term "presocratics" refers to philosophers who lived before Socrates or were not influenced by his thought, focusing instead on natural principles.
- Unlike Socrates, who centered philosophy around ethical living, presocratics sought the fundamental nature of reality, termed "arjé."
Cosmological Focus
- The presocratics initiated a cosmological period in philosophy, exploring how order arises in nature and laying the groundwork for natural philosophy.
- They can be categorized into monists (believing in one principle) and pluralists (believing in multiple principles), although little remains of their original texts.
Thales: The First Philosopher?
Life and Contributions
- Thales is often regarded as the first philosopher despite no surviving texts; some scholars question whether he wrote anything at all.
- His birthplace was Miletus, an ancient Greek city located near modern-day Turkey.
Philosophical Claims
- Aristotle recognized Thales as the initiator of natural philosophy, explaining nature through its own elements rather than religious or mythical explanations.
- Thales proposed that water is the fundamental principle ("arjé") from which everything originates, attributing life and divinity to it.
Understanding Thales' Philosophy
Speculations on Water's Significance
- The reasoning behind Thales' belief in water as the origin may stem from its vital role in life cycles or ancient poetic traditions emphasizing water's importance.
Anecdotes About Thales
- Anecdotes about Thales illustrate his character; one story recounts him falling into a well while stargazing, highlighting his deep focus on celestial matters over earthly concerns.