Thales of Miletus: The first western philosopher

Thales of Miletus, often referred to as the first Western philosopher, was a pre-Socratic thinker from the ancient city of Miletus in modern-day Turkey. He lived in the 6th century B.C. Thales is not only known for his philosophical research, but also for his contributions to mathematics, astronomy and natural science. His research into the nature of the universe and the substance of all things had a lasting influence on the development of Western philosophical thought.

Life and legacy

The exact dates of Thales' life are not precisely documented, but he is thought to have lived between 624 and 546 BC. As one of the Seven Sages of Greece, a group known for their wisdom, Thales dealt with a variety of topics. Unfortunately, none of his writings have survived, and most of what we know about him comes from later sources such as those of Aristotle.

Philosophical contributions

Eam is probably best known for his cosmology and the belief that "all is water", i.e. water is the ark, the fundamental principle of all natural objects. This idea was revolutionary because it proposed a natural rather than a supernatural explanation for the origin and structure of the universe. By postulating a single substance as the essence of all things, Thales paved the way for future philosophical investigations into the nature of existence and the material constitution of the world.

Even though the idea of this water had already been rejected by his own students, it was an important step for philosophy.

Mathematical and astronomical achievements

In mathematics, Thales is credited with several geometric theorems, including the theorem named after him, which states that every diameter halves a circle. He also used geometry to solve problems related to physical space, e.g. to calculate the height of pyramids and the distance of ships from the shore.

As an astronomer, Thales is said to have predicted the solar eclipse of May 28, 585 BC, which allegedly ended a battle between the Medes and the Lydians when day suddenly turned to night. This prediction, whether factual or apocryphal, underlines his reputation as a scholar who sought rational explanations for natural phenomena.

Influence and teaching

Thales' direct influence can be seen in his dealings with Anaximander, who also came from Miletus and was probably his pupil (You can find out more about Anaximander here). Anaximander continued the research tradition of Thales with his own innovative ideas, in particular with his concept of the apeiron, the boundless, as the source of all things, which represents a slight departure from Thales' emphasis on water.

Legacy and continuity of its concepts

The philosophical concepts introduced by Thales had a lasting influence on Greek thought and beyond. His investigations established a tradition of rational speculation about the cosmos that shaped much of ancient Greek philosophy. Although his specific cosmological ideas - such as that of water - did not go beyond the early philosophical tradition, his emphasis on naturalistic explanations over mythological ones set a precedent that influenced countless philosophers.

From the Milesian school to the writings of Aristotle and throughout the Hellenistic period, echoes of Thales' thought can be recognized. His legacy is a testament to the power of curiosity and rationality in the search for an understanding of the natural world.

Conclusion

Thales of Miletus thus remains an outstanding figure in the history of Western philosophy - but is often rather little known. As the first philosopher of the Western tradition, his efforts to explain the world around him without recourse to mythology laid the foundations for more than two millennia of philosophical research. His influence is proof of the importance of asking fundamental questions about the nature of reality. From myth to logos. This is probably the easiest way to summarize Thales' contribution.