The Evolution of Naturalist Thinking in Classical Western Thought
The Naturalist Movement marked a shift in Greek philosophy towards rational study of the natural and moral order, departing from mythological explanations. Philosophers like Aristotle emphasized rational investigation over mythological beliefs, identifying nature with matter. They sought to discern the underlying subject of things through observable changes, questioning the essence and properties of objects like porridge. This shift reflected a pursuit of understanding rooted in reason rather than tradition.
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Classical Western Thought 4. The Naturalist Movement 1
1.Summary of the Homeric World View The moral ideal An ideal life partly depends on the heredity and social status. Preserving their own honor and status is their first concern. The natural order Natural order is the product of the steady purposes of the gods. Nature is sometimes unpredictable, because the gods are fickle. Conflicts within Homer s picture Order v.s randomness Moral order v.s amoral order (the Fates) 2
2. The naturalist outlook Between the age of Homer (mid-eighth century) and the age of Socrates (late fifth century), the Greeks began systematic rational study of the natural order and the moral order. Aristotle distinguishes those who talk about gods and offer poetic or mythological accounts from those who offer rational accounts that can seriously studied: 3
All the theologians considered only what was persuasive to themselves, and thought little of us But it is not worth seriously examining the sophistries of mythology, whereas we must interrogate those who present a rational demonstration. -- Aristotle things seem random divine intervention MYTHOLOGISTS nature of things Rational investigation NATURALISTS 4
3. Nature as matter The naturalists identify the nature with matter or basic subject of things. Most of the first philosophers thought the only origins of everything were material. For, they say, there is some subject that all beings come from, the first thing they come to be from and the last thing they perish into, the substance remaining throughout and changing in its attributes; and this is the elementary basis and the origin of beings. And for this reason they think nothing either comes to be or perishes, since they assume that in every change this nature persists. -- Aristotle, Meteorology 5
We can recognize a continuing subject in changes. The very same lump of bronze is the continuing subject, even though its shape has been changed. coin bronze The continuing subject may not be continuously observable as easily as the bronze is. porridge oats 6
If we find the continuing subject of change, we seem to find the nature of things. If we take an ordinary subject, we can ask what its nature is; and a reasonable answer will tell us what its basic, underlying subject is. 1.How the porridge came into being. 2. Properties and behavior of the porridge. Porridge is light grey. What is the nature of porridge? Porridge is a sticky mess. Porridge is oats and water that have been cooked together. What is the nature of Socrates? Socrates is ugly. Socrates fears his wife. Socrates is a man. 7
The naturalists want to find the nature of things by finding their basic matter. Homer Naturalists Nature and constitution of things External divine beings randomness Everything has a reason. Naturalists criticism: Homeric view is mistaken. Things seem random, or to require divine intervention, only because we do not know enough about the constituent stuffs and processes. 8
Naturalists as the first philosophers Attempted to create general theories of the cosmos. Mythos Logos There must be a good explanation to the appearances of the world beyond the tales of how the god s had created everything. Important for grasping the origins of Western philosophy and science. What is Philosophy? Philein = To Love Sophia = Wisdom Philosopher = Lover of Wisdom Philosophy is the attempt to think rationally and critically about life s most important questions in order to obtain knowledge and wisdom about them. J.P.Moreland 9
Group discussion 1. According to Thales, what element is basic? What reasons might he have had to support his answer? 2. How does Thales explain change? 3. According to Anaximander, what element is basic? What does he mean by the Apeiron? 4. How does Anaximander explain change? 5. Why did Heraclitus say it s not possible to step twice into the same river ? Do you agree with him? 6. What does the image of fire symbolize for Heraclitus? 10
