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WEEK ELEVEN: Philosophers and Ethics 

WEEK ELEVEN

Class Hour 1

Chapter 58: Thales (THAY-leez, 624-546 BCE) — The Water Philosopher: Transforming Myth to Science

Chapter 59: Pythagoras (py-THAG-or-as, 570-495 BCE) — The Mathematical Metaphysicist: Numbers Governing Reality

Chapter 60: Xenophanes (zeh-NOF-uh-neez, 570-475 BCE) — The Rational Critic: One God, Many Questions

Class Hour 2

Chapter 61: Alcmaeon (Alk-MAY-on, 500-450 BCE) — The Anatomist: Brain as the Seat of Understanding

Chapter 62: Hippocratic Corpus (460-unknown BCE) — The Medical Founders: Do No Harm

Chapter 63: Socrates (469-399 BCE) — The Dialectical Philosopher: Unyielding Pursuit of Truth

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Introduction

In the eleventh week of our journey through Philosophy of Science, we delve into the transformative ideas of early Greek thinkers whose contributions laid the groundwork for scientific inquiry, medicine, and ethics.

Thales of Miletus, often hailed as the Water Philosopher, marks the beginning of our exploration. Thales’ bold proposition that water is the fundamental substance of the universe signaled a profound shift from mythological explanations to naturalistic ones. This transition to rational and empirical approaches set the stage for future scientific endeavors. His influence extended beyond natural philosophy, impacting medicine and ethics by encouraging empirical observation and logical deduction, laying a foundation that future intellectuals would build upon.

Next, we encounter Pythagoras, the Mathematical Metaphysicist, who established the mathematical foundations that continue to underpin modern science. Pythagoras’ belief in numerical relationships governing reality, although intertwined with mystical elements, significantly influenced the scientific method. His blend of rationalism and empiricism resonated through the ages, shaping ethical frameworks and promoting a balanced lifestyle and virtues that align with bioethical principles.

Xenophanes, the Rational Critic, challenged the anthropomorphic depictions of gods prevalent in his time, proposing instead a singular, abstract deity. His critical stance fostered a culture of skepticism and evidence-based inquiry, essential components of scientific investigation. Xenophanes’ rational and empirical approach not only contributed to the development of systematic investigation but also subtly shaped the emerging fields of medicine and ethics by promoting critical thinking and a quest for knowledge grounded in evidence.

Alcmaeon of Croton, the Anatomist, brought a new dimension to our understanding of human physiology by pioneering anatomical dissections and identifying the brain as the seat of cognition. His rational and empirical investigations into the human body laid the groundwork for neuroscience and systematic medical inquiry. Alcmaeon’s contributions were instrumental in the early development of scientific methodologies and subtly influenced ethical considerations in medical practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding the human body through direct observation and study.

The Hippocratic Corpus, a seminal collection of medical writings, marks a significant shift in medical thought by attributing diseases to natural causes rather than supernatural forces. This corpus emphasized observation and reason, laying the foundation for evidence-based medicine. The ethical principles introduced, particularly the concept of nonmaleficence, or “do no harm,” have had a lasting impact on medical practice and the scientific method, establishing a moral framework that continues to guide medical professionals today.

Finally, we turn to Socrates, the Dialectical Philosopher, whose unyielding pursuit of truth through dialogue and critical questioning profoundly shaped Western thought. Socrates’ dialectical method underscored the importance of critical thinking and self-examination, influencing the scientific method and medical ethics. His emphasis on autonomy and beneficence has left an indelible mark on the ethical principles that guide scientific inquiry and medical practice.

As we explore the contributions of these early Greek philosophers, we will see how their pioneering ideas and methodologies laid the intellectual foundations for the development of science, medicine, and ethics. Their legacy is a testament to the enduring power of rational and empirical inquiry, shaping the way we understand the world and our place within it.

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Pre-SOCRATICS (6th-4th centuries BCE)

Determining the precise birth of philosophical history resembles discerning the exact moment dawn breaks. Rather than a sudden event, philosophy emerged through a gradual evolution of thought — a shift from an anthropomorphic, myth-centric worldview to a more abstract, analytical, and reflective mode of thinking. This new form of contemplation, recognized today as philosophy, is grounded in rational deductive investigation and empirical inductive observation.

Though the mythological worldview offered a rich tapestry of narrative and symbolism, it presented significant barriers to developing scientific thought. By attributing natural phenomena to the whims of deities, myths stifled the emergence of scientific disciplines. For example, as long as thunderstorms were considered expressions of Zeus’ wrath, the inception of meteorology — a scientific understanding of weather patterns — remained unattainable. Broadly speaking, while the cause-and-effect outcomes inherent to the scientific method were dismissed in favor of myths, divine intervention, or other non-scientific explanations, the progression and broadening of scientific knowledge remained out of reach.

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