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NATIONAL AND KAPODISTRIAN UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS

PRESOCRATIC PHILOSOPHERS
Thales (624-546 BC) is probably the first to use
scientific reasoning to explain nature.
Mathematician, astronomer, engineer,
meteorologist. Established theoretical Geometry
with Theorems and proofs, measured the height
of the pyramids with the theory of similar
triangles that he developed, founder of exact
science. Predicted a solar eclipse, understood
that the Earth is spherical, the stars are made of
substances similar to the ones of the Earth,
started electricity (studying ambers attraction to
bodies when rubbed and charged).

Pythagoras of Samos, Greece (570-500 BC),


proves the Pythagorean theorem and pursues a
theoretical systematic study of numbers. He
introduces the notion that the Universe and
everything in Nature has to be described
accurately with mathematics and numbers, that
are the essence of nature.
He invents the Multiplication table. Pythagoras
studies theoretically the relations of integer
numbers, odd and even numbers. He introduces
the Geometrical representation of numbers.
He proves that the sum of the three angles of a
triangle equals 180 degrees. He establishes
Music as a discipline. He performs the first
experiments in physics with measurements and
discovers the relation between the length of a
chord and the tone it gives.
He introduces the Evolution of the Universe from
an initial nucleus that expands, like the Big Bang.
He believes in the Immortality of the soul.
He established a Philosophical School in
southern Italy, that was called Greater Greece, at
that time.
Heraclitus (6th-5th CBC) tries to understand tha
nature of Cosmos. Matter is made of four
elements: fire, air, water, earth. All substances
come from these simple bodies that he terms
elements. Introduced dialectics, causality,
humans are responsible for their fate.

Anaxagoras (500/488-428 BC) understands that


celestial bodies are not gods but made of matter.
Matter can be divided continuously to small particles.
He comes to Athens from Ionia and establishes a very
important Philosophical School (University). This
changes drastically the course of Philosophy, as he
puts the seeds of philosophy in Athens.
His most important pupil was Pericles who changes
completely Athens to a very important city state with
Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Anaxagoras School in Athens puts the foundations to
the Academy of Plato and Lyceum of Aristotle that
established Philosophy as we know it.
Anaximander (610-545 BC) Introduced the term
Principle, constructed the first map of the Earth, solar
accurate clocks, introduced the first theory of
evolution of species, life comes from the water, where
some worms developed first, humans come from a
kind of shark that has fetus similar to human.
Measured the change of the inclination of solar
altitude during the year (solstices, equinoxes)
Anaximenes (585-525 BC) Introduced a mechanical
model for the Universe. Introduced measurements in
the study of phenomena. Defines stars and planets a
different celestial objects. The Moon is illuminated
from the Sun. He gives the explanation of eclipses and
introduces the cycle of water (evaporation, clouds,
rain, snow, rainbow).
Thanks to
The Alexandros S. Onasis Foundation
the John F. Costopoulos Foundation
Leverhulme Trust,
University of Athens
National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece
Prof. J H Seiradakis, Prof M. Edmunds, Dr T. Freeth, Mr Y
Bitsakis, Dr H. Magkou, Mrs M. Zafeiropoulou
X-tek Systems, HP, Dr R. Hadland, Dr T Malzbender, Dr A.
Tselikas, Dr C. Kritzas, Mr D. Kriaris, Prof M. Roumeliotis,
Dr F. Vafea, Prof M. Papathanassiou,
Dr. G. Hensiksson, Mrs L. Mandaliou-Stadiati-Lykopanti,
Costas and George Papoulias
Hubble Space Telescope
Copyright University of Athens 2011
Information: Xenophon Moussas
Xmoussas@phys.uoa.gr

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