This book 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.

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.

Autorentext

Artur Przybyslawski works as a full professor in the Department of Comparative Studies of Civilizations at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. He deals with Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and ancient philosophy. He is the author of several monographs and many translations, as well as of two novels.

Inhalt

Preface - 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