Day 1: Thales of Miletus (c. 624/623 — c. 548/545 BC)

Often considered the first philosopher in the Western tradition.

Biography of Thales

Thales of Miletus, born around 624/623 BC in the vibrant city-state of Miletus, in what is now modern-day Turkey, is often hailed as the progenitor of Western philosophy. Unlike the mythological explanations prevalent in his time, Thales sought naturalistic explanations for the phenomena around him, thereby laying the foundational stones for scientific inquiry. A polymath, his interests spanned across mathematics, astronomy, and engineering, making him a towering figure in the pre-Socratic era. Though details of his life are shrouded in the mists of time, it is clear that Thales’s intellect and curiosity knew no bounds.

Major Ideas and Contributions

Thales’s philosophical doctrine is most famously encapsulated in his belief that “water is the principle of all things,” a profound statement indicating his search for an arche, or underlying substance, of the natural world. This quest for a unifying principle marks the inception of metaphysical inquiry in Western thought. Thales’s assertion that the world is knowable and that natural phenomena have natural causes was revolutionary, steering human thought away from mythological explanations.

In addition to his metaphysical speculations, Thales is credited with several mathematical discoveries. He is known for theorems relating to geometry, such as the concept that a circle is bisected by its diameter, and he utilized geometric principles to solve real-world problems, such as measuring the height of the pyramids in Egypt.

Major Works

Unlike many of his philosophical successors, Thales did not leave behind written works. Our knowledge of his ideas and teachings comes primarily from later philosophers and historians, such as Aristotle, who documented his contributions. This lack of primary texts makes Thales an enigmatic figure, yet the influence of his ideas is undeniable.

Influence and Legacy

Thales’s legacy is the shift he initiated from mythological to rational explanations for the natural world, a transition that paved the way for the development of science and philosophy. He is considered the first in the line of the Seven Sages of Greece, a testament to his wisdom and intellectual prowess. His method of inquiry, which emphasized observation and rational thinking, became the cornerstone of scientific and philosophical thought.

Fun Facts

1. The Eclipse Predictor: Thales is reputed to have predicted a solar eclipse, which occurred in 585 BC, demonstrating his advanced understanding of astronomy and mathematics.
2. The Olive Press Story: Legend has it that Thales used his knowledge of astronomy to predict a good olive harvest, investing in olive presses and making a fortune, thereby illustrating the practical application of philosophical knowledge.
3. One of the Seven Sages: Thales was recognized as one of the Seven Sages of Greece, a group of early 6th-century BC figures known for their wisdom.

Conclusion

Thales of Miletus stands as a colossal figure at the dawn of Western intellectual tradition. His insistence on seeking natural causes for natural phenomena laid the groundwork for all subsequent scientific and philosophical endeavors. Though the details of his life and works are sparse, the legacy of his intellectual courage and curiosity continues to inspire the quest for knowledge and understanding.