0
How is Thales theory that the origin of all things water significant in the history in philosophy and science?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
It's significant because Thales provided a naturalistic account of phenomena instead of a supernatural one. That is, he formulated his one principle based on actual observations, not stories of divine origin.
It's also significant because he used a single principle of explanation instead of a bunch of answers, thus unifying diverse phenomena under one idea. The word we translate as Thales' single "principle" of explanation is the Greek word ARCHE--which literally means a thing that "rules." So it's as if his principle of explanation "rules" the phenomena, which might remind you of the idea that there are "laws" of nature that supposedly dictate what we observe. Obviously this is a metaphor, but it's a powerful one that's still in use by scientists.
So, Thales' specific answer of water may not seem significant, but the form in which and the method by which he created his explanation is unique, hence a breakthrough in HOW to think about things.
BTW, the greatest Greek philosopher, Aristotle, has good things to say about Thales and calls him the first philosopher.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Who was the Father of Greek Philosophy?
Thales of Miletus
Who was considered to be the inventor of philosophy?
Thales of Miletus
Why is Socrates the Father of philosophy?
He is actually considered as the Father of Western Philosophy. He greatly influenced Plato and he conceptualized the Socratic method where a question will be answered by another question, which will make the original questioner think of the answer themselves to arrive at their own answer.But the father of philosophy or the one who invented philosophy is Thales and not Socrates
Who is often called 'The Father of Philosophy'?
Socrates is often considered the Father of Western Philosophy; however, most group him with his successors, Plato and Aristotle, as the Father's of Western Philosophy, also known as "The Big Three." One can argue that Thales is the true Founder of Western Philosophy due to his influence on Socrates. In regards to modern philosophy, René Descartes holds that title. There is no single person who owns the title of "The Father of Philosophy," considering how much of philosophy developed largely independently in different regions (i.e., Western and Eastern philosophy).
Philosophy begins with which Milesian philosopher?
That's a good question, but this is like asking "Philosophy begins with which Hellenistic Philosophy?" or "Philosophy begins with which Medieval Scholasticism?" or "Which philosopher began British Philosophy?" because the answer is that there is no first philosopher that began any peculiar kind of philosophy that characterized an era, culture, nation, etc. However one of the earliest known philosopher of the pre-socratic times is the Milesian philosopher Thales (Aristotle considered him to be the first philosopher of the pre-socratics, but we don't know this for sure).
What is philosophy of man according to THALES?
thales philosophies
Who was the Father of Greek Philosophy?
Thales of Miletus
Who was considered to be the inventor of philosophy?
Thales of Miletus
Why is Thales the Father of Philosophy?
He isn't. Thales is considered the founder of Geometry, not Philosophy. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are often said to be the Fathers of Western Philosophy; Confucius, Laozi, and Siddhārtha Gautama are the Fathers of Eastern Philosophy.There is no one "Father of Philosophy."
Is often called the father of philosophy?
Though considered some of the greatest philosophers, Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates are not the Fathers of Philosophy. The "father of philosophy" is traditionally considered to be Thales (approximately 624 BCE-c. 546 BCE). Rene Descartes is considered the Father of Modern Philosophy.
Who is known as father of science?
it was the thales.
Who is a scientist who predicted an eclipse?
Thales of MiletusThe ancient Greek philosopher Thales was born in Miletus in Greek Ionia.Aristotle, the major source for Thales's philosophy and science, identified Thales as the first person to investigate the basic principles, the question of the originating substances of matter and, therefore, as the founder of the school of natural philosophy. Thales was interested in almost everything, investigating almost all areas of knowledge, philosophy, history, science, mathematics, engineering, geography, and politics. He proposed theories to explain many of the events of nature, the primary substance, the support of the earth, and the cause of change. Thales was much involved in the problems of astronomy and provided a number of explanations of cosmological events which traditionally involved supernatural entities. His questioning approach to the understanding of heavenly phenomena was the beginning of Greek astronomy. Thales' hypotheses were new and bold, and in freeing phenomena from godly intervention, he paved the way towards scientific endeavor. He founded the Milesian school of natural philosophy, developed the scientific method, and initiated the first western enlightenment. A number of anecdotes is closely connected to Thales' investigations of the cosmos. When considered in association with his hypotheses they take on added meaning and are most enlightening. Thales was highly esteemed in ancient times, and a letter cited by Diogenes Laertius, and purporting to be from Anaximenes to Pythagoras, advised that all our discourse should begin with a reference to Thales (D.L. II.4).
Who are the Pre-Socratic Triumvirate in Greek philosophy?
Thales, Heraclitus and Democritus were the Pre-Socratic triumvirate in Greek philosophy. And there were also Anaximander, Anaximenes, Anaxagoras, Empedocles and Leucippus. They all, from Thales to Leucippus, really were scientists.
Father of science in ancient Greece?
Thales of Miletus.
What were the influences of Thales?
Mythological precedents were the influences of Thales. It is believed he was the first philosopher. However this is controversial and he didn't leave works as significant as other philosophers.
What did the Greek philosopher Thales teach?
Thales taught astronomy and mathematics. Aristotle accredited him with being the founder of Science, as well as the father of Geometry.
Where and when philosophy are made?
Western philosophy started about 600 B.C. in the city of Miletus in Ionia (where Turkey is today). Thales is traditionally called the first philosopher.
