Important Pre-Socratic Schools Flashcards
Where did the first pre-Socratic philosophers originate?
The city of Miletus in Anatolia (modern Turkey)
Who were the three important pre-Socratic philosophers from Miletus?
- Thales
- Anaximander
- Anaximenes
What did Thales claim was the archê?
Water
What properties of water did Thales identify?
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Moisture and nourishment
What was Anaximander’s concept of the single element?
Apeiron, an undefined, unlimited, and indefinite substance
What significant contribution did Anaximander make?
He is known for being the first philosopher to leave writings of his work
What element did Anaximenes believe to be the single element?
Air
According to Anaximenes, what can air transform into?
- Water
- Clouds
- Wind
- Fire
- Earth
Who is the philosopher known for the Pythagorean theorem?
Pythagoras
What did Pythagoras believe was the basis of all reality?
Mathematical relations
What were numbers to Pythagoras?
Sacred
What is Heraclitus of Ephesus known for?
Believing that everything in nature is constantly changing
What is Heraclitus’ famous saying about rivers?
One cannot step in the same river twice
What single element did Heraclitus believe everything manifested from?
Fire
Which philosophers were part of the Eleatic school?
- Xenophanes
- Parmenides
- Zeno
- Melissus
What critique did Xenophanes make about religion?
He attacked the notion of anthropomorphic gods
What did Parmenides argue about reality?
Reality is only accessible through reason, not the senses
What did Parmenides believe was the only intelligible thing to discuss?
What is (what exists)
Who was Zeno of Elea’s famous student?
Parmenides
What did Zeno’s paradoxes aim to defend?
Parmenides’ ideas
What did Melissus of Samos distinguish between?
Is and seems
What is the Atomist school’s main belief?
Every physical object is made up of atoms and void
Who started the Atomist school?
Leucippus
Who was Leucippus’ student?
Democritus
