Pre-Socratic Pre-Socratic PhilosophersPhilosophers

Pre-SocraticPre-Socratic PhilosophersPhilosophersReality is One1048708 Thales1048708 Anaximander1048708 Anaximenes1048708 Pythagoras1048708 Heraclitus1048708 Parmenides1048708 Zeno

Reality is Many1048708 Empedocles1048708 Anaxagoras1048708 Democritus

Introduction1048708 Thinkers from the Greek world (sixth and fifth centuries BC)1048708 Attempted to create general theories of thecosmos (world)1048708 Mythos LogosThere must be a good explanation to the appearances of the world beyond the tales of how the godrsquos had created everything Ex Before philosophy myths explained natural phenomena (the sun was carried around the heavens by Apollorsquos chariot Zeus hurled thunder and lightning from the top of Mount Olympus)

Thales of MiletusThales of Miletus(624-545 BCE)(624-545 BCE)

bull Sought a common Sought a common source a single source a single substance underlying all substance underlying all thingsthings

bull Believed that Believed that substance was water all substance was water all things are waterthings are water

bull Used rational Used rational evidence and careful evidence and careful observation rather than observation rather than mythological accounts mythological accounts to explain the nature of to explain the nature of the universethe universe

Anaximander of MiletusAnaximander of Miletus (611-546 BCE)(611-546 BCE)

bull Earth (a cylinder) rests Earth (a cylinder) rests where it does because of where it does because of its equidistance from its equidistance from everything elseeverything else

bull The ldquostuffsrdquo of the The ldquostuffsrdquo of the world come in opposites world come in opposites (hot-cold dry-wet hard-(hot-cold dry-wet hard-soft) from a vast soft) from a vast ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called apeiron apeiron (mass of forces (mass of forces with no specific with no specific qualities)qualities)

Anaximenes of MiletusAnaximenes of Miletus(died 500 BCE)(died 500 BCE)

bull Believed the first universal underlying element is air Believed the first universal underlying element is air (pneuma)(pneuma)

bull Proposed two opposing Proposed two opposing processes of change processes of change condensation and rarefactioncondensation and rarefaction

bull Through condensation pure air becomes denser Through condensation pure air becomes denser air air - fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone- fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone Matter Matter becomes lighter during rarefaction becomes lighter during rarefaction stone - earth - stone - earth - water - cloud - wind - fire - airwater - cloud - wind - fire - air

Pythagoras (572-500 BC)Pythagoras (572-500 BC)

The ultimate stuff is not some The ultimate stuff is not some material element like water or firematerial element like water or fire

All things are numbers and a correct All things are numbers and a correct description of reality must be description of reality must be express in terms of mathematical express in terms of mathematical formulasformulas

Totality of reality can be explained Totality of reality can be explained by mathematical lawsby mathematical laws

Pythagoras was a numerologist Pythagoras was a numerologist interested in the mystical interested in the mystical significance of numberssignificance of numbers

Eg Is there something to the fact Eg Is there something to the fact that music is mathematical and that music is mathematical and harmonies are easy fractionsharmonies are easy fractions

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Pre-SocraticPre-Socratic PhilosophersPhilosophersReality is One1048708 Thales1048708 Anaximander1048708 Anaximenes1048708 Pythagoras1048708 Heraclitus1048708 Parmenides1048708 Zeno

Reality is Many1048708 Empedocles1048708 Anaxagoras1048708 Democritus

Introduction1048708 Thinkers from the Greek world (sixth and fifth centuries BC)1048708 Attempted to create general theories of thecosmos (world)1048708 Mythos LogosThere must be a good explanation to the appearances of the world beyond the tales of how the godrsquos had created everything Ex Before philosophy myths explained natural phenomena (the sun was carried around the heavens by Apollorsquos chariot Zeus hurled thunder and lightning from the top of Mount Olympus)

Thales of MiletusThales of Miletus(624-545 BCE)(624-545 BCE)

bull Sought a common Sought a common source a single source a single substance underlying all substance underlying all thingsthings

bull Believed that Believed that substance was water all substance was water all things are waterthings are water

bull Used rational Used rational evidence and careful evidence and careful observation rather than observation rather than mythological accounts mythological accounts to explain the nature of to explain the nature of the universethe universe

Anaximander of MiletusAnaximander of Miletus (611-546 BCE)(611-546 BCE)

bull Earth (a cylinder) rests Earth (a cylinder) rests where it does because of where it does because of its equidistance from its equidistance from everything elseeverything else

bull The ldquostuffsrdquo of the The ldquostuffsrdquo of the world come in opposites world come in opposites (hot-cold dry-wet hard-(hot-cold dry-wet hard-soft) from a vast soft) from a vast ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called apeiron apeiron (mass of forces (mass of forces with no specific with no specific qualities)qualities)

Anaximenes of MiletusAnaximenes of Miletus(died 500 BCE)(died 500 BCE)

bull Believed the first universal underlying element is air Believed the first universal underlying element is air (pneuma)(pneuma)

bull Proposed two opposing Proposed two opposing processes of change processes of change condensation and rarefactioncondensation and rarefaction

bull Through condensation pure air becomes denser Through condensation pure air becomes denser air air - fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone- fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone Matter Matter becomes lighter during rarefaction becomes lighter during rarefaction stone - earth - stone - earth - water - cloud - wind - fire - airwater - cloud - wind - fire - air

Pythagoras (572-500 BC)Pythagoras (572-500 BC)

The ultimate stuff is not some The ultimate stuff is not some material element like water or firematerial element like water or fire

All things are numbers and a correct All things are numbers and a correct description of reality must be description of reality must be express in terms of mathematical express in terms of mathematical formulasformulas

Totality of reality can be explained Totality of reality can be explained by mathematical lawsby mathematical laws

Pythagoras was a numerologist Pythagoras was a numerologist interested in the mystical interested in the mystical significance of numberssignificance of numbers

Eg Is there something to the fact Eg Is there something to the fact that music is mathematical and that music is mathematical and harmonies are easy fractionsharmonies are easy fractions

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Introduction1048708 Thinkers from the Greek world (sixth and fifth centuries BC)1048708 Attempted to create general theories of thecosmos (world)1048708 Mythos LogosThere must be a good explanation to the appearances of the world beyond the tales of how the godrsquos had created everything Ex Before philosophy myths explained natural phenomena (the sun was carried around the heavens by Apollorsquos chariot Zeus hurled thunder and lightning from the top of Mount Olympus)

Thales of MiletusThales of Miletus(624-545 BCE)(624-545 BCE)

bull Sought a common Sought a common source a single source a single substance underlying all substance underlying all thingsthings

bull Believed that Believed that substance was water all substance was water all things are waterthings are water

bull Used rational Used rational evidence and careful evidence and careful observation rather than observation rather than mythological accounts mythological accounts to explain the nature of to explain the nature of the universethe universe

Anaximander of MiletusAnaximander of Miletus (611-546 BCE)(611-546 BCE)

bull Earth (a cylinder) rests Earth (a cylinder) rests where it does because of where it does because of its equidistance from its equidistance from everything elseeverything else

bull The ldquostuffsrdquo of the The ldquostuffsrdquo of the world come in opposites world come in opposites (hot-cold dry-wet hard-(hot-cold dry-wet hard-soft) from a vast soft) from a vast ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called apeiron apeiron (mass of forces (mass of forces with no specific with no specific qualities)qualities)

Anaximenes of MiletusAnaximenes of Miletus(died 500 BCE)(died 500 BCE)

bull Believed the first universal underlying element is air Believed the first universal underlying element is air (pneuma)(pneuma)

bull Proposed two opposing Proposed two opposing processes of change processes of change condensation and rarefactioncondensation and rarefaction

bull Through condensation pure air becomes denser Through condensation pure air becomes denser air air - fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone- fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone Matter Matter becomes lighter during rarefaction becomes lighter during rarefaction stone - earth - stone - earth - water - cloud - wind - fire - airwater - cloud - wind - fire - air

Pythagoras (572-500 BC)Pythagoras (572-500 BC)

The ultimate stuff is not some The ultimate stuff is not some material element like water or firematerial element like water or fire

All things are numbers and a correct All things are numbers and a correct description of reality must be description of reality must be express in terms of mathematical express in terms of mathematical formulasformulas

Totality of reality can be explained Totality of reality can be explained by mathematical lawsby mathematical laws

Pythagoras was a numerologist Pythagoras was a numerologist interested in the mystical interested in the mystical significance of numberssignificance of numbers

Eg Is there something to the fact Eg Is there something to the fact that music is mathematical and that music is mathematical and harmonies are easy fractionsharmonies are easy fractions

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Thales of MiletusThales of Miletus(624-545 BCE)(624-545 BCE)

bull Sought a common Sought a common source a single source a single substance underlying all substance underlying all thingsthings

bull Believed that Believed that substance was water all substance was water all things are waterthings are water

bull Used rational Used rational evidence and careful evidence and careful observation rather than observation rather than mythological accounts mythological accounts to explain the nature of to explain the nature of the universethe universe

Anaximander of MiletusAnaximander of Miletus (611-546 BCE)(611-546 BCE)

bull Earth (a cylinder) rests Earth (a cylinder) rests where it does because of where it does because of its equidistance from its equidistance from everything elseeverything else

bull The ldquostuffsrdquo of the The ldquostuffsrdquo of the world come in opposites world come in opposites (hot-cold dry-wet hard-(hot-cold dry-wet hard-soft) from a vast soft) from a vast ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called apeiron apeiron (mass of forces (mass of forces with no specific with no specific qualities)qualities)

Anaximenes of MiletusAnaximenes of Miletus(died 500 BCE)(died 500 BCE)

bull Believed the first universal underlying element is air Believed the first universal underlying element is air (pneuma)(pneuma)

bull Proposed two opposing Proposed two opposing processes of change processes of change condensation and rarefactioncondensation and rarefaction

bull Through condensation pure air becomes denser Through condensation pure air becomes denser air air - fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone- fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone Matter Matter becomes lighter during rarefaction becomes lighter during rarefaction stone - earth - stone - earth - water - cloud - wind - fire - airwater - cloud - wind - fire - air

Pythagoras (572-500 BC)Pythagoras (572-500 BC)

The ultimate stuff is not some The ultimate stuff is not some material element like water or firematerial element like water or fire

All things are numbers and a correct All things are numbers and a correct description of reality must be description of reality must be express in terms of mathematical express in terms of mathematical formulasformulas

Totality of reality can be explained Totality of reality can be explained by mathematical lawsby mathematical laws

Pythagoras was a numerologist Pythagoras was a numerologist interested in the mystical interested in the mystical significance of numberssignificance of numbers

Eg Is there something to the fact Eg Is there something to the fact that music is mathematical and that music is mathematical and harmonies are easy fractionsharmonies are easy fractions

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Anaximander of MiletusAnaximander of Miletus (611-546 BCE)(611-546 BCE)

bull Earth (a cylinder) rests Earth (a cylinder) rests where it does because of where it does because of its equidistance from its equidistance from everything elseeverything else

bull The ldquostuffsrdquo of the The ldquostuffsrdquo of the world come in opposites world come in opposites (hot-cold dry-wet hard-(hot-cold dry-wet hard-soft) from a vast soft) from a vast ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called ldquoIndefinite-Infiniterdquo called apeiron apeiron (mass of forces (mass of forces with no specific with no specific qualities)qualities)

Anaximenes of MiletusAnaximenes of Miletus(died 500 BCE)(died 500 BCE)

bull Believed the first universal underlying element is air Believed the first universal underlying element is air (pneuma)(pneuma)

bull Proposed two opposing Proposed two opposing processes of change processes of change condensation and rarefactioncondensation and rarefaction

bull Through condensation pure air becomes denser Through condensation pure air becomes denser air air - fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone- fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone Matter Matter becomes lighter during rarefaction becomes lighter during rarefaction stone - earth - stone - earth - water - cloud - wind - fire - airwater - cloud - wind - fire - air

Pythagoras (572-500 BC)Pythagoras (572-500 BC)

The ultimate stuff is not some The ultimate stuff is not some material element like water or firematerial element like water or fire

All things are numbers and a correct All things are numbers and a correct description of reality must be description of reality must be express in terms of mathematical express in terms of mathematical formulasformulas

Totality of reality can be explained Totality of reality can be explained by mathematical lawsby mathematical laws

Pythagoras was a numerologist Pythagoras was a numerologist interested in the mystical interested in the mystical significance of numberssignificance of numbers

Eg Is there something to the fact Eg Is there something to the fact that music is mathematical and that music is mathematical and harmonies are easy fractionsharmonies are easy fractions

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Anaximenes of MiletusAnaximenes of Miletus(died 500 BCE)(died 500 BCE)

bull Believed the first universal underlying element is air Believed the first universal underlying element is air (pneuma)(pneuma)

bull Proposed two opposing Proposed two opposing processes of change processes of change condensation and rarefactioncondensation and rarefaction

bull Through condensation pure air becomes denser Through condensation pure air becomes denser air air - fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone- fire - wind - cloud - water - earth - stone Matter Matter becomes lighter during rarefaction becomes lighter during rarefaction stone - earth - stone - earth - water - cloud - wind - fire - airwater - cloud - wind - fire - air

Pythagoras (572-500 BC)Pythagoras (572-500 BC)

The ultimate stuff is not some The ultimate stuff is not some material element like water or firematerial element like water or fire

All things are numbers and a correct All things are numbers and a correct description of reality must be description of reality must be express in terms of mathematical express in terms of mathematical formulasformulas

Totality of reality can be explained Totality of reality can be explained by mathematical lawsby mathematical laws

Pythagoras was a numerologist Pythagoras was a numerologist interested in the mystical interested in the mystical significance of numberssignificance of numbers

Eg Is there something to the fact Eg Is there something to the fact that music is mathematical and that music is mathematical and harmonies are easy fractionsharmonies are easy fractions

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Pythagoras (572-500 BC)Pythagoras (572-500 BC)

The ultimate stuff is not some The ultimate stuff is not some material element like water or firematerial element like water or fire

All things are numbers and a correct All things are numbers and a correct description of reality must be description of reality must be express in terms of mathematical express in terms of mathematical formulasformulas

Totality of reality can be explained Totality of reality can be explained by mathematical lawsby mathematical laws

Pythagoras was a numerologist Pythagoras was a numerologist interested in the mystical interested in the mystical significance of numberssignificance of numbers

Eg Is there something to the fact Eg Is there something to the fact that music is mathematical and that music is mathematical and harmonies are easy fractionsharmonies are easy fractions

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Pythagoras was a numerologist Pythagoras was a numerologist interested in the mystical interested in the mystical significance of numberssignificance of numbers

Eg Is there something to the fact Eg Is there something to the fact that music is mathematical and that music is mathematical and harmonies are easy fractionsharmonies are easy fractions

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

EmpedoclesEmpedocles(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull One of the first Pluralists (those who One of the first Pluralists (those who believed that there exist many believed that there exist many realities or substances)realities or substances)

bull Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a Reality must be ldquocompletely fullrdquo a plenumplenum without any gaps all motion without any gaps all motion and changes take place within existing and changes take place within existing realityreality

bull Reality consists of six basic Reality consists of six basic components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth components four basic ldquorootsrdquo (earth air fire water) and two basic air fire water) and two basic ldquomotionsrdquo (ldquomotionsrdquo (LoveLove which unites which unites different things and different things and StrifeStrife which which breaks things up into basic elements) breaks things up into basic elements)

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

AnaxagorasAnaxagoras(500 - 428 BCE)(500 - 428 BCE)

bull NousNous is the all-pervading is the all-pervading ldquomindrdquo which imposes an ldquomindrdquo which imposes an intelligible pattern in an intelligible pattern in an otherwise unintelligible otherwise unintelligible universe nous affects universe nous affects things without being in things without being in themthem

bull Things are composed of Things are composed of tiny bits or seeds that we tiny bits or seeds that we cannot see individually only cannot see individually only combined in sufficient combined in sufficient quantityquantity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

The AtomistsThe AtomistsLeucippus of Miletus Leucippus of Miletus (5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

Democritus of Abdera Democritus of Abdera (460-370 (460-370 BCE)BCE)

bull Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the Leucippus is credited as originator of atomism the universe consists of empty space and simple entities universe consists of empty space and simple entities that combine to form objectsthat combine to form objects

bull Democritus argued that atoms must be so small Democritus argued that atoms must be so small that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms that they are invisible to the naked eye that atoms are eternal and and constantly movingare eternal and and constantly moving

bull The The voidvoid is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no- is Democritusrsquos term for no-thing no-bodies or empty space bodies or empty space

bull Democritus believed there is no intentional order or Democritus believed there is no intentional order or purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence purpose to the universe no Nous or intelligence guiding or combining atomsguiding or combining atoms

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Heraclitus of EphesusHeraclitus of Ephesus(510-480 BCE)(510-480 BCE)

bull LogosLogos is the rule according is the rule according to which all things are to which all things are accomplished and the law accomplished and the law which is found in all thingswhich is found in all things

bull Everything is always Everything is always changingchanging

bull Distinguished between Distinguished between appearance and reality in a appearance and reality in a way that contrasted apparent way that contrasted apparent permanence with hidden permanence with hidden realityreality

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Parmenides of EleaParmenides of Elea(5th c BCE)(5th c BCE)

bull Transformed philosophers interest in cosmology (the study of the universe as a rationally ordered system) into ontology (the study of ldquobeingrdquo)

bull ldquo ldquoWhat is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and What is isrdquo (being can be conceived of and expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is expressed) and ldquoWhat is not is notrdquo (not-being is incomprehensible and inexpressible)incomprehensible and inexpressible)

bull Change and variety are only appearances they are Change and variety are only appearances they are not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by not real Reality or ldquobeingrdquo cannot be apprehended by the sensesthe senses

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Zeno (490 BC-)

A disciple of Parmenides wrote a series of famous paradoxes ldquoprovingrdquo that motion is impossible Is motion really impossible Are all things One and thus are motion

and change simply illusions

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

One could never move from point A to B In order to get to point B you must go half way but before you can go halfway you

must go halfway of the remaining halfway but first you must go halfway of halfway

Thus motion is impossible even if it were possible

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Conclusion derived from the mathematical notion of the infinite divisibility of all numbers and indeed of all matter

Do we choose Mathematics or Sensory information

Information based on senses (empiricism) vs Information based on pure reason (rationalism)

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

The Pluralists

Sense experience tells us that we can get from A to B

The Greeks who immediately followed Parmenides and Zeno decided to reject corporeal monism (reality is one)

Why

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Because differences exist and they must be accounted for

Thus ultimate reality is composed of a plurality of things rather than of only One kind of thing

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Conclusion

Pre-Socratic philosophers Made obvious the dichotomy between reason

and senses Attempted to explain reality without religion

(mythos) Attempted to understand how mathematical

numbers were related to the flux of reality Attempted to explain the problems of the One

and the Many

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity

Did the Pre-Socratic Philosophers leave a legacy of confusion Or clarity