The PreSocratic Philosophers

The Ionian Philosophers

(also known as Milesian Nature Philosophers)

The Basic Problem: What is the arche or first principle?

Thales (ca. 600 B.C.E.): All Things are Water

Anaximander (611-545): The Apeiron

Anaximenes (?-499): Aer

Heraclitus of Ephesus (540/530-475): The Logos

   Kirk and Raven on Heraclitus

   W.T. Jones on Heraclitus

    Julian Marias on Heraclitus

Italian Schools

Pythagoras /Pythagoreans

(580-500)

Xenophanes

PARMENIDES (515 -?)

Zeno (490-430)

Melissus

POST-PARMENIDEAN SYSTEMS:

Empedocles (flourit ca. 450)

Anaxagoras (ca. 528-450)

The Atomists: Leucippus of Miletus

               Democritus (ca. 450)

               (see also: other Internet resources on Democritus, atomism [thanks, Dr. High!])

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