The Origin of Philosophy: The Transition from Myth to Logos
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In the sixth century BC, in Miletus or Asia Minor (Greece), the concept of rational thought was developed. The Greeks are the first civilization in the Western culture to come into contact with new cultures, new ways of thinking and understanding the world, which ultimately causes a crisis of values. This culture is the first to ponder the question of what is the meaning of life, the concept of right thought and how to explain reality. Influenced by other possibilities of life, Greece begins to consider new challenges, new ways of viewing life and explaining it. This period is known as the transition from myth to logos which we are going to explain in more detail at OneHowTo.com
Myths
"Mythos" was the narrative story used by the Greeks at that time to explain the world around them. They were narratives told by poets, usually orally, in which the gods gave meaning to the world. The Greek gods and goddesses were the main protagonists of these stories and it was through their actions that meaning was given to the people. These myths were not only religious in nature, but they also served social and cultural functions, providing moral lessons and cultural identity to the Greek people.
The word
Due to the exchange between the Greeks of that time and their visitors, the earliest forms of communication with different cultures began to develop, who, until that time, had been separated and isolated by the great distances. Through a dialogue of words, the origin of thought would then begin. This exchange was crucial, as it allowed for the sharing of ideas and philosophies, ultimately leading to a more interconnected and intellectually vibrant society.
The word and logos
As the Greeks began to have contact with other cultures, their way of life also changed and their way of thinking also. They became dissatisfied with the religious explanations that dominated the myths, and scholars such as Aristotle began to devise new ways of thinking about the universe. At this point, the word used to explain everything is rationality. Humans think, investigate and decide for themselves how to explain reality. This new rational discourse is known as "logos". The shift from mythos to logos marked a significant advancement in human thought, as it encouraged individuals to seek logical and evidence-based explanations for the phenomena they observed in the world around them.
The polis (the city)
Living together in the polis, during the XIII century AC, the Greeks began to develop small, closed towns with an agricultural economy and an independent and autonomous political hierarchy. In the eighth century AC, trade caused an increase in population and spreading colonization, transforming the ancient polis to open cities, which allowed for the evolution and exchange of thought and culture in general. The polis became the center of intellectual and political life, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose that was essential for the development of philosophical thought.
Physis or nature
Humans began to be conscious of and observe how life originates, but also how it disappears. This lead them to consider relevant questions and the need to create early physics theories that explain the origin of nature and its constant state of change. These early thinkers, known as pre-Socratic philosophers, sought to understand the fundamental nature of reality, positing that everything was composed of basic elements such as water, air, earth, and fire. Their inquiries laid the groundwork for scientific inquiry and the systematic study of nature.
Homer and Hesiod
It's essential to read these two Greek poets who illustrate the importance of myths, a form of religious explanation. These are works of unparalleled beauty and the predecessors to rational thought. Homer and Hesiod's epics not only provided entertainment but also imparted ethical teachings and cultural values, shaping the Greek worldview for generations. Their works served as a bridge between the mythical and rational ways of understanding the world, inspiring later philosophers to build upon their narratives.
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Tips
- It's important to consider the social and political conditions of the era, that were responsible for this significant change. The rise of democracy, particularly in Athens, played a crucial role in promoting open debate and the exchange of ideas, which were vital components in the transition from myth to logos.
- The slow transition from myth to logos was an evolution that took centuries to complete. This gradual shift was marked by the development of critical thinking and the emergence of philosophical schools that challenged traditional beliefs and encouraged empirical observation.
- Physics arises from Philosophy, causing these thinkers to be the first physicists. Their inquiries into the nature of existence and the principles governing the universe laid the foundation for the scientific method and modern science. Thinkers like Thales and Anaximander made significant contributions to our understanding of natural phenomena through observation and reasoning.
