Origins of Western Philosophy: From Myth to Reason

Ancient Wisdom

1^st Premise: All men tend by nature to know. 2^nd Premise: Knowledge through the senses gives wisdom. Thesis Conclusion: Human wisdom is to know the first causes and principles of things. (Fifteenth century BC) Aristotle tells us the ultimate goal of wisdom: knowledge of first principles.

Introduction to Early Greek Thought

The birthplace of Greek philosophy was the coast of Asia Minor, and the first philosophers were Ionians. Philosophy is both an individual activity and a product of society, reflected in the conception of law as the order of the cosmos. Philosophy arises from a shift in thinking: the abandonment of mythical thought and the emergence of rational thought. Mythical elements are found not only in the first philosophers but also in Plato and even medieval philosophers arguing against religion.

Myth vs. Reason

Myth: Initially any type of story, later taking a negative sense, referring to fabulous narratives. Philosophy, in contrast, is characterized by rational explanation. Events happen according to natural laws discoverable through reason. A core postulate of philosophy is that all events can be explained rationally, by identifying the natural laws governing them. Philosophy aims to study existing things. The first philosophers, the Fusik (physicists), studied physis (nature). They observed that nature is in constant flux, yet there is an unchanging substratum, the Fusiz.

The Concept of Fusiz and Argé

Fusiz: The force that makes things grow. Pre-Socratic philosophers conceived it as the first and fundamental reality, the first principle called Argé. Argé is understood as the origin of all things, the governing force of nature, and the principle of movement and life.

Content, Method, and Goal of Philosophy

Philosophy has a content: the explanation of reality presented as universal knowledge; a method: rational inquiry based on facts, seeking the ultimate cause of reality; and a goal: the search for true knowledge beyond mere certainty. Philosophy requires rational explanation, opposing mere opinion. It strives for episteme (true belief) – opinion supported by rational arguments. Statements lacking rational support are deemed meaningless.

Transition from Mythological to Philosophical Thinking

Myth is the first attempt to explain the world. Its features include: beings or legendary characters; fantastic tales; anonymous authorship rooted in popular tradition; and a traditional, uncritical character.

Three Phases in the Constitution of Mythical Thought:

• Fetishism: Objects are attributed with human-like life and supernatural power.
• Polytheism: Belief in multiple supernatural beings with powers exceeding those of humans, influencing nature and lives.
• Monotheism: All natural phenomena and existence are attributed to the action and will of a single supernatural being.

Key Philosophical Disciplines

Ontology: From the Greek term, the discipline that studies reality.

Metaphysics: That which is beyond physics; what can be grasped through reason and not the senses.

Epistemology: The discipline that studies knowledge.