Fundamental Concepts in Ancient Greek Philosophy
Arche: The First Principle
Arche (or archai) is a concept in ancient Greek philosophy signifying the beginning of the world or the first principle of all things. It can also mean substance or matter—i.e., that which does not need anything else to exist, just the same.
The philosophers of Miletus agreed in regarding substances as derived from a single, natural principle. For Thales, this was water; for Anaximenes, air; and for Heraclitus, fire.
Physis: Nature and Essence
To the Greeks, the term physis has a dynamic sense and refers to the force or source from which objects arise. Starting with the Sophists, and especially Aristotle (who understands the nature and essence of things as the internal principle of motion), this idea took on a metaphysical meaning in the Greek world.
Maieutics: The Art of the Midwife
Maieutics derives from the Greek term “technē maieutikē” (the art of the midwife). Plato used this term to refer to the second phase of Socrates’ research method (5th century BCE), comparing the art of midwives with this phase of the Socratic method, which was intended to help “give birth” to the truth.
The Socratic method was a practical method based on dialogue, consisting of two phases: Irony and Maieutics. Through inductive reasoning, this method aimed to achieve the universal definition of the terms under investigation.
- Irony: Socrates intended to show the interlocutor their ignorance, a necessary condition for beginning an investigation.
- Maieutics: The phase where Socrates sought an ever more universal definition of the research object, i.e., giving birth to the truth.
Epicureanism: Philosophy of Happiness
Epicureanism is a system of philosophy taught by Epicurus of Samos, an Athenian philosopher of the fourth century BCE, and followed later by other philosophers called Epicureans.
Epicurus purchased the estate known as “The Garden” on the outskirts of Athens and founded his school. Composed of both men and women (a significant innovation in Greek schools), the community was cut off from politics and society, practicing friendship and a contemplative life focused on knowledge.
Structure of Epicurean Reflection
Canonical
Knowledge is viewed as a means to seek standards that enable access to happiness.
Physical
The atomic theory of Democritus (atoms and the void) explains the changes in the universe. Since change is spontaneous, it excludes destiny or predetermination, thereby defending total human freedom.
Ethics
This involves the pursuit of pleasure as the end of life and the best way to achieve happiness by satisfying balanced natural and spiritual needs. This process aims at achieving two key states:
- Autonomy (Self-sufficiency): Implies the ability to sustain oneself and self-govern.
- Ataraxia (Highest Happiness): Represents the absence of pain and any kind of mental disturbance.
The Tetrapharmakon Remedy
In this whole process, a philosophical formula called the Tetrapharmakon (Four-Part Remedy) is recommended. It consists of four medicines used to discard all kinds of superstitions, fears (such as death, fate, or God), and groundless beliefs.
Epicureans further recommended removal from politics, arguing that it is what most disturbs the mind, and instead focusing on friendship as the highest happiness of the mind.