Evolution of Greek Philosophy: From Myth to Reason
Hellenistic Greece (Macedonian to Roman Era)
Macedonia, a mountainous region north of Greece, was considered by Greeks as culturally backward. Philip II (359-336 BC) transformed Macedonia, reorganizing the army and conquering Greece (Battle of Chaeronea, 338 BC). His planned Persian expedition was cut short by assassination (336 BC).
His son, Alexander, secured Greek loyalty and planned to invade Persia. Internal strife weakened the Persian Empire, leading to their defeat at the Granicus River (334 BC) and Issus (333 BC). In 332 BC, Alexander founded Alexandria in Egypt. The final victory over Persia was at Gaugamela (331 BC).
Alexander adopted Persian customs and expanded his empire to India. He died in Babylon (323 BC), leaving an empire stretching from the Adriatic to the Indus.
Alexander’s legacy was his universalist approach, merging cultures and traditions. Alexandria blended Egyptian, Greek, and Macedonian influences, while Bactria saw the fusion of Hellenic and Indian elements.
Decline of Greek History
Alexander’s generals divided his empire into four kingdoms in 301 BC:
- Macedonia and Greece (Cassander)
- Syria and East Asia (Seleucus)
- Thrace and Asia Minor (Lysimachus)
- Egypt (Ptolemy)
These states gradually declined, falling to Rome: Greece in 146 BC, Syria in 64-62 BC, and Egypt in 30 BC.
Philosophy: From Myth to Reason
Greeks pioneered a rational interpretation of the universe, moving beyond myth. They questioned the nature of the world and humanity, seeking rational explanations.
Greek thought emphasized human reason’s ability to understand existence, marking a shift towards anthropocentrism.
Early Philosophers (6th-5th Century BC)
Cosmologists
In Magna Graecia, Pythagoras founded a philosophical and religious community. Pythagoreans believed numbers were the universe’s foundation, observing their role in mathematics, astronomy, and music.
Heraclitus and Parmenides; The Sophists
Heraclitus emphasized constant change, famously stating, “existence is the current of a river.” Parmenides argued for a permanent, unchanging reality, accessible through reason.
These contrasting views led to skepticism and quietism, challenging Greek philosophy to reconcile change and permanence.
Humanistic Period (5th-4th Century BC)
Plato
Plato (427-347 BC) sought to reconcile Heraclitus and Parmenides. He used myths like the winged chariot and the cave to explain his philosophy, positing a world of ideal Forms.
Aristotle
Aristotle (384-322 BC) developed hylomorphism, asserting that individual substances are composed of matter and form. He emphasized empirical observation and logic, influencing various fields.
Aristotle viewed humans as social and political beings, with society arising from human nature. His work profoundly impacted Western thought.
Plato and Aristotle, though differing, shaped philosophical inquiry, exploring the nature of reality, knowledge, and human existence.