HoP 001 - Everything is Full of Gods - Thales

Summary

In this episode of 'The History of Philosophy' podcast, Peter Adamson introduces the series, aiming to cover the entire history of philosophy, from ancient Greek thinkers to modern times. Focusing on Thales of Miletus, the first Greek philosopher, Adamson explores Thales' ideas about the cosmos, water as a cosmic principle, and the concept that everything is full of gods. The episode sets the stage for discussing not only well-known philosophers but also those who played significant yet lesser-known roles. The podcast promises a comprehensive, gap-free approach to philosophy, integrating various cultural traditions and disciplines.

Takeaways

• 😀 The History of Philosophy podcast covers the entire history of philosophy, from ancient to modern, including philosophers from different regions like the Islamic world, India, China, and Africa.
• 😀 The podcast aims to fill gaps in traditional philosophy education by covering underrepresented figures such as female philosophers and those from non-European cultures.
• 😀 The series also covers how philosophy intersects with other disciplines like medicine, astronomy, astrology, and literature.
• 😀 The goal is to tell the continuous story of philosophy, not skipping over periods of time, to highlight how each philosopher built upon or diverged from previous ideas.
• 😀 Philosophy is deeply connected to the political, social, and economic forces of its time, as seen in how philosophical writings were transmitted throughout history.
• 😀 Greek philosophy began not in Greece itself, but in Ionia (modern-day Turkey), where Greek-speaking peoples migrated and established successful colonies.
• 😀 Thales of Miletus, considered the first Greek philosopher, is known for his ideas about the importance of water as a cosmic principle and for believing that everything is full of gods.
• 😀 Thales combined practical knowledge with philosophical inquiry, being active in fields like astronomy, politics, and economics, rather than just pure speculation.
• 😀 Early Greek philosophy is often based on fragments or testimonies by later philosophers, which makes reconstructing their original ideas challenging but fascinating.
• 😀 Thales' claim that magnets and amber have souls highlights his belief in the divine nature of all things, suggesting that motion and life can be present even in seemingly lifeless objects.

Q & A

Who is Thales of Miletus and why is he significant in the history of philosophy?

Thales of Miletus is often considered the first philosopher of ancient Greece. He is significant because he proposed that everything in the world has a divine soul or essence, marking a key moment in the transition from mythological explanations to rational, naturalistic thought in Greek philosophy.

What was Thales' view on the nature of the world and its connection to the divine?

Thales believed that everything in the world, including inanimate objects like magnets, was filled with a divine essence or soul. He proposed that this divine soul could initiate motion, as seen in the example of magnets, which led him to suggest that all things have some form of soul.

How does the concept of soul relate to Thales' ideas on magnets?

Thales used magnets to support his idea that all things have a soul. He argued that magnets, which can move without being alive, must possess a soul capable of initiating motion. This was a key aspect of his argument that everything in existence has some divine essence.

What is the significance of Thales' connection between philosophy and science?

Thales' work is significant because it marked an early blending of philosophy and science. His attempts to explain the world through natural phenomena, such as his work on astronomy and the prediction of a solar eclipse, laid the foundation for later philosophical inquiries that combined scientific observation with metaphysical questions.

Why does Peter Adamson consider Thales' work an example of 'philosophical fun'?

Peter Adamson refers to Thales' work as 'philosophical fun' because of the creative and speculative nature of his ideas, such as combining concepts of divine soul with natural phenomena like magnets. This approach made early Greek philosophy both playful and intellectually stimulating, as philosophers sought to understand the world around them.

What is the role of 'gods' in Thales' philosophy?

In Thales' philosophy, everything in the universe is filled with divine essence or 'gods.' This idea challenges traditional religious views and introduces the notion that divinity is present throughout nature, not just in specific deities or supernatural forces.

How does Thales' theory of the divine soul connect to later Greek philosophy?

Thales' theory of the divine soul set the stage for later Greek philosophers, such as Anaximander and Anaximenes, who expanded on his ideas about the nature of life and the universe. Thales' belief that the world is animated by a divine essence influenced the development of metaphysical and cosmological theories throughout the Presocratic tradition.

What was Thales' contribution to astronomy?

Thales is credited with predicting a solar eclipse in 585 BC, an achievement that demonstrated his understanding of astronomy and his ability to observe and predict natural phenomena. This contribution further established him as an early figure who blended scientific inquiry with philosophical thought.

What is the significance of Thales' claim that 'everything is full of gods'?

Thales' claim that 'everything is full of gods' is significant because it represents a shift away from purely mythological explanations of the world. By suggesting that the divine essence is present in all things, Thales introduced a more naturalistic and universal view of the divine, laying the foundation for later philosophical and theological developments.

How does Peter Adamson describe the role of Thales' successors in shaping Greek philosophy?

Peter Adamson describes Thales' successors, such as Anaximander and Anaximenes, as building on and refining Thales' ideas. Their work explored the nature of the cosmos and life, often expanding on Thales' cosmological theories. Adamson emphasizes the importance of these early philosophers in shaping the trajectory of Western philosophy and science.