Flashcards on Introduction to Pre-Socratic Philosophy
Introduction to Pre-Socratic Philosophy: Guide for Students
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Pre-Socratic Greek Philosophy
32 cards
Card 1
Question: Who is Heraclitus of Ephesus and what is he best known for?
Answer: A Pre-Socratic philosopher known for the doctrine of flux (everything flows), the statement "You cannot step into the same river twice," and introduci
Card 2
Question: What does Heraclitus mean by 'Logos'?
Answer: Logos is the underlying principle or rational structure of the universe—"word," "reason," or "order"—that governs and organizes all things.
Card 3
Question: How did Heraclitus view the role of opposites in the cosmos?
Answer: He taught that opposing forces are interconnected and necessary; tension between opposites (e.g., hot/cold, day/night) produces harmony—"Opposition br
Card 4
Question: Which element did Heraclitus identify as primary, and what did it symbolize?
Answer: He identified fire as the primary substance; fire symbolized constant change, transformation, and the creative power of destruction.
Card 5
Question: Who were Empedocles and Anaxagoras and what key doctrines are they known for?
Answer: Empedocles is known for the doctrine of the Four Elements (earth, air, fire, water) and the Two Powers (Love and Strife). Anaxagoras is known for the
Card 6
Question: What are the 'Two Powers' in Empedocles' theory and what do they do?
Answer: Love and Strife; they combine and separate the four elements, respectively, shaping the composition and changes of the universe.
Card 7
Question: What did Anaxagoras propose about the composition of the cosmos?
Answer: That the cosmos is made of infinitely divisible particles or 'seeds' containing traces of all things, in constant motion and organized by Nous (Mind/I
Card 8
Question: What is Nous in Anaxagoras' philosophy?
Answer: Nous is Mind or Intelligence—the primary ordering principle that imparts order and purpose by directing and organizing the particles/seeds of the cosm
Card 9
Question: What is atomism and which Pre-Socratic philosophers are associated with its development?
Answer: Atomism is the theory that all matter is composed of indivisible, indestructible particles called atoms moving in a void. It is associated with Leucip
Card 10
Question: What two fundamental principles did Leucippus propose?
Answer: Atoms (indivisible, eternal particles) and the void (kenon or empty space), which allows atoms to move and interact.