Anaximenes, Thales, and Anaximander

In ancient Greece, the city of Miletus played a crucial role in shaping philosophy. The philosophers of this city were among the first thinkers who sought to explain the world without relying on myths. The three prominent figures of this school were: Thales, who interpreted the world based on water. Anaximander, who introduced the fundamental element Apeiron (the Infinite). Anaximenes, who considered air as the essence of existence.
This article explores their ideas and analyzes their influence on Western thought.
Thales: The Pioneer of Natural Philosophy Thales was the first philosopher who attempted to explain the origin of the universe using natural principles rather than mythology. He believed that water was the fundamental element from which everything originated.
Thales' reasoning for choosing water included: Water appears in different forms (liquid, solid, vapor). Water is essential for life. Natural transformations, such as rain and rivers, indicate its dynamic nature.
Thales influenced not only philosophy but also mathematics and astronomy. He discovered a theorem now known as Thales' Theorem.
Anaximander: The Concept of Infinity (Apeiron) Anaximander, a student of Thales, proposed a more abstract theory. He argued that no single element, such as water, could solely form the basis of the universe, but rather, there must be something beyond known substances.
He called this element Apeiron, meaning infinite and boundless.
The characteristics of Apeiron, according to Anaximander: Apeiron is limitless and eternal, with no specific physical form. All elements originate from it and eventually return to it. The balance and conflict between elements (hot and cold, dry and wet) arise from the forces within Apeiron.
Anaximander's theory holds great significance in philosophy, as it was the first attempt to define an abstract concept as the foundation of existence.
Anaximenes: Air as the Fundamental Element Anaximenes, the third great Milesian philosopher, believed that the primary substance should be observable. He proposed that air was the fundamental element of all things.
According to Anaximenes' theory: Air transforms into other materials through condensation and expansion. Condensed air creates solids like stone, while expanded air generates fire. Air is constantly in motion, explaining the dynamism of the universe.
This theory bears similarities to modern scientific views on states of matter. Anaximenes aimed to provide an observational and experimental explanation of natural phenomena.
Conclusion: The Influence of Milesian Philosophers on Western Thought Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes were the first thinkers to explore the universe through scientific and philosophical analysis. Their quest to find the primary element of existence paved the way for the development of natural sciences.
Thales introduced the search for a single element. Anaximander formulated the concept of infinity. Anaximenes examined natural processes through observation.
These three philosophers laid the foundation for materialistic naturalism, which later influenced Socrates, Plato, and even modern scientific thought.