Description
Book Synopsis This book, Thales and the Beginnings of European Reflection, is more than a field guide to all major testimonies about Thales. It does not merely contain a summary and critique of the available literature on the subject, but also lays down a new, holistic interpretation of Thales from a perspective that brings to light several important, but previously overlooked issues. An emphasis on mythology in Thales’ thought combined with discourse analysis and a comprehensive treatment of his thinking in its pre-philosophical and pre-scientific unity is hoped to offer a unique and deeper insight into Thales’ genius and the beginnings of European reflection.
Table of ContentsPreface - The first among the Seven - The unity of Thales’ thought - Endeavors to demonstrate the fundamental nature of water - Water as the principle - Water on which the Earth rests - Thales the scientist - Gods, daimons, and souls - The many and the one - The water metaphor - Commutation of the water metaphor - Thales’ astrology - References - Index of Names
