Classical Western Thought5. The Birth of Western Philosophy
Classical Western Thought 5. The Birth of Western Philosophy
1. Thales of Miletus (580 BC)First recorded philosopherFirst successful prediction ofa solar eclipseFirst recorded instance ofuniversalizing (reducingmultiplicity to unity)
1. Thales of Miletus (580 BC) First recorded philosopher First successful prediction of a solar eclipse First recorded instance of universalizing (reducing multiplicity to unity)
If there is change, there must be some thing thatchanges, yet does not changeHow did orderly multiplicity come to be?There must be a unity behind the apparent plurality of thingsWhat is it all made of?Could it be that all things are made of just oneelemental stuff?Men eat plants andanimalsMustnotthehumanbodycontainthesamematerials?
If there is change, there must be some thing that changes, yet does not change. How did orderly multiplicity come to be? There must be a unity behind the apparent plurality of things What is it all made of? Could it be that all things are made of just one elemental stuff? Men eat plants and animals Must not the human body contain the same materials?
TOGRASSMILKWhat substancemustunderliegrassto allow itto be transformed to milk?000：2wy
Unity or oneness must existWhat is the nature of this unifying, unchanging福substance that is disguised by the appearance ofconstant change?Air, Fire, Water, or Earth?
Unity or oneness must exist What is the nature of this unifying, unchanging substance that is disguised by the appearance of constant change? Air, Fire, Water, or Earth?