Thales of Miletus: Philosophy and Science

Thales of Miletus

• Considered the founder of Western philosophy and science (624-546 BCE).
• Proposed that water is the fundamental substance of everything, challenging traditional mythos-based explanations.
• Emphasized natural explanations for phenomena without invoking divine authority.

Revolutionary Ideas

• Encouraged questioning and discussion among his students, promoting a culture of critical thinking.
• Distinguished between enduring substance and constant change, introducing the paradox of change versus permanence.

Scientific Impact

• Influenced later philosophers like Democritus, who introduced concepts of atoms and the void.
• Anaximander proposed “The Boundless,” suggesting an indefinite substance as the source of all things.

Philosophical and Scientific Methodology

• Thales transitioned from mythos to logos, advocating for natural, evidence-based explanations.
• Established a framework for philosophical dialogue, prioritizing testable hypotheses and critical evaluation of ideas.

The Philosophical Methodology Steps

• Theory Postulation: Developing initial hypotheses.
• Justification: Providing reasoning or evidence for theories.
• Critical Review: Analyzing and assessing arguments.
• Revision: Adjusting theories based on new evidence or critiques.

Philosophy Defined

• Philosophy means "love of wisdom," focusing on understanding foundational principles of existence.
• Encourages rational reflection on life, responsibilities, and knowledge.

Context of Ancient Greek Thought

• Ancient Greeks relied on supernatural explanations (mythos) for natural phenomena, often leading to dogmatic beliefs.
• Questioning divine authority was seen as heretical, with severe consequences for dissenters.

Philosophical vs. Scientific Inquiry

• Philosophy addresses abstract, fundamental questions; science targets empirical, observational questions.
• Empirical questions are rooted in sensory experience, while philosophical questions probe deeper existential issues.

Types of Questions in Philosophy

• Empirical Questions: Based on observation (e.g., "What is the color of a leaf?").
• Nonsense/Category Mistakes: Questions that misclassify or misinterpret categories (e.g., "What is the color of love?").
• Philosophical Questions: Significant queries that require critical thought and analysis (e.g., "Is there a God?").

Branches of Philosophy

• Theology: Examines the existence and nature of God.
• Metaphysics: Explores the nature of reality and existence.
• Epistemology: Investigates knowledge, truth, and justification.
• Logic: Analyzes and evaluates arguments.
• Aesthetics: Studies concepts of art and beauty.
• Ethics: Discusses human conduct and defining the good life.