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Pre-Modernism: Foundations in Metaphysics

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Key Questions

  • What is the fundamental nature of reality?
  • How do unseen forces shape the visible world?
  • What does it mean to live in harmony with the cosmos?

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Philosophical Tools

  • Metaphysical Speculation: Exploring beyond the physical to understand existence.
  • Dialectical Reasoning: Engaging in dialogue to uncover deeper truths.
  • Myth and Allegory: Using stories to convey complex ideas.

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Conceptual Frameworks

  • Theory of Forms: The belief in eternal, unchanging ideals that transcend the physical world.
  • Substance and Essence: Investigating what things are made of and their inherent nature.
  • Virtue Ethics: Focusing on character and virtues as the basis for ethical living.

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Evolution of Thought

In the ancient world, philosophers sought to understand the universe by looking beyond the physical. Thales proposed that water is the fundamental substance of everything, while Heraclitus argued that change itself is the essence of reality. Pythagoras introduced numerical relationships as fundamental principles, bridging mathematics and philosophy. Plato presented the Theory of Forms, suggesting that the material world is a shadow of a higher, immutable reality. His student, Aristotle, shifted focus to the observable world, emphasizing empirical observation and categorization.

In the East, thinkers like Confucius and Laozi explored ethics, governance, and the nature of the Tao (the Way), emphasizing harmony with natural order and societal roles. Buddha examined suffering and the path to enlightenment, offering insights into the human condition.

These early thinkers laid the groundwork for considering abstract concepts as foundational elements—a perspective that resonates with today’s focus on algorithms and data structures in technology.

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Key Philosophers

  • Thales of Miletus: Considered the first philosopher, he sought natural explanations for the world, proposing that water is the underlying principle of everything.
  • Heraclitus: Emphasized that change is constant, famously stating, “You cannot step into the same river twice.”
  • Pythagoras: Believed numbers are the essence of all things, integrating mathematics with metaphysics.
  • Socrates: Advocated for the examined life, using questioning to seek truth and ethics.
  • Plato: Developed the Theory of Forms, asserting that non-material abstract forms represent the most accurate reality.
  • Aristotle: Advocated for empirical observation, laying the foundations for scientific inquiry.
  • Epicurus: Taught that pleasure and absence of pain are the highest goods, emphasizing simple living.
  • Zeno of Citium: Founded Stoicism, teaching virtue and wisdom are achieved by living in harmony with nature.
  • Confucius: Focused on morality, proper social relationships, and justice to achieve societal harmony.
  • Laozi: Associated with Daoism, emphasizing living in accordance with the Tao (the Way) and natural order.
  • Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama): Taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to alleviate suffering and attain enlightenment.