The Search for the First Principle

The Search for the First Principle

• During the pre-Socratic period, philosophers sought a basic or essential principle to explain everything in the universe.
• They aimed to find a simple, unifying explanation for the observed diversity of phenomena.
• Some philosophers thought the basic principle was water, like Thales of Miletus, who argued everything was made of water.
• Others, such as Anaximander, believed the principle was an undifferentiated, limitless substance called "apeiron."
• The search for the first principle also involved investigating truth and understanding reality.
• Pre-Socratic philosophers wanted to understand how the world worked and humanity's role in it.
• Philosophers, like Parmenides, argued that reality was singular and that our perceptions were illusions.

Indigenous Perspectives on the First Principle

• Indigenous American and Bolivian cultures also have answers to the search for the first principle.

Ayorea Cosmovision

• The Ayorea worldview sees the universe as dynamic, interconnected, and constantly changing.
• Everything is interrelated and connected, with each element serving a specific function.
• The basic principle is understood as energy, called "Jorea," that flows through and connects all beings, maintaining harmony and balance.

Guaraní Cosmovision

• The Guaraní worldview understands the universe as a spiritual and mystical reality where everything has a spirit or vital force.
• The basic or first principle is the vital force that drives everything.
• The force manifests in natural elements, such as earth, water, fire, and air.
• This vital force is known as "Namandu" and considered sacred and divine.

Andean Cosmovision

• The Andean worldview is based on complementarity and reciprocity between humans and nature.
• The universe is seen as an integrated and harmonious whole where each element has a specific function and purpose.
• Everything in the universe possesses a vital energy called "jallalla."
• Jallalla flows through beings and manifests in natural elements (earth, water, air, fire), as well as living things (animals, plants).
• The search for the first principle relates to understanding this vital energy.
• Andean shamans seek to connect with this energy to maintain balance and harmony in nature and society.

Summary

• The search for the first principle in the pre-Socratic period involved seeking a basic principle to explain the universe.
• It also included investigating truth and understanding reality, leading to debates about the universe's nature and humans' place.
• Both pre-Socratics and indigenous peoples developed answers to the fundamental question of the first principle.