Philosophy of Pre-Socratic Thinkers

Study Notes

Originates from the Greek words 'philos' (love) and 'sophia' (wisdom).
Examines man's nature and existence, posing critical questions about reality and change.

Thales of Miletus: Proposed that water is the essence of all matter; believed the earth is flat.
Pythagoras of Samos: Focused on the soul's fate after death, promoting reincarnation views.
Parmenides of Elea: Known as a philosopher of changeless being, exploring the nature of reality.

Pioneer of systematic introspection, emphasizing self-knowledge.
Argued that true happiness cannot be achieved through material wealth or power.
Sought universal truths and believed in immutable ideals like beauty, justice, and bravery.
Advocated for understanding the duality of human existence (body & soul).
Warned that societies neglecting philosophical inquiry would face misery.
Executed for impiety and corrupting Athenian youth.

A student of Socrates; founded the Academy to pass on his philosophical teachings.
Divided reality into two realms:
- Ideal: Perfect reality of existence.
- Phenomena: Flawed physical world reflecting the Ideal.
Introduced the concept of Forms, arguing every object in the world is a reflection of higher realities.
Identified three components of the soul:
- Appetitive: Represents basic human desires and pleasure.
- Rational: Governs affairs through reason; conscious mind.
- Spirited: Moral aspect that seeks honor and victory, driven by emotions.

Centered his philosophy on God, highlighting man’s relationship with the divine.
Built on Plato's dual nature theory, integrating it into Christian philosophy.
Proposed that humans should strive for spiritual bliss with God, aligning their lives with this goal.

Labeled the father of modern philosophy, advocating for observation and experimental science.
Introduced methodical doubt; fundamental assertion: "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).
Proposed that self-existence cannot be doubted, laying new epistemic foundations.
Developed the concept of Dualism, distinguishing between mental (cogito) and physical (extenza) entities.

Founded British empiricism, asserting humans are free and created equal by God.
Stressed that knowledge arises from experience and sensation.
Coined the term Tabula rasa, suggesting humans are born as blank slates, with identity formed by experiences and environment.

Empiricist philosopher who questioned the existence of a self that transcends the physical body.
Defined the self in relation to our perceptions and experiences, challenging traditional notions of identity.