Greek Philosophy: Epistemology and Metaphysics

Epistemology and the basic philosophy of empiricism are the topics of dicsussion. I will explain where Greek philosophy began and who the main contributors were to ancient philosophy and what their contributions were. I will give a brief overview of such philosophers as Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Pythagoras,and how their philosophies helped shape successive students of philosophy such as the Sophist, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

"If we did not perceive anything we would not learn or understand anything."~Aristotle~

Where Greek philosophy began:

"Greek Philosophy originated early in the sixth century BC in the prosperous and progressive Ionian city-state of Miletus." (Luce, J.V., 1992, pp.9). Ionia was once an ancient times mecca because of the prime location amidst a mountainous range and fertile valleys rich with orchards and olive groves which were fed by and was practically surrounded by water. Because of the abundance of water, agricultural growth, and trading abilities with the surrounding cities and areas across the sea like Ephesus, Samos, and Egypt, Ionia thrived.

Ionia produced another source of income and prestige by way of philosophy. "Intellectual circles and scientific laws began to be formulated...laying the foundation of modern science." (www.turizim.net, 2007). There were three 'wise men' who are worthy of mention here: Thales, who has the title of the founder of philosophy or founder of natural philosophy and he believed that all things began with water, he held this belief because life is sustained by water, and like water, is ever changing and in perpetual movement.