Introduction to Presocratics (eBook)

Giannis Stamatellos is a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Neoplatonic Virtue Ethics at the University of Copenhagen. He is the author of Plotinus and the Presocratics (2007).

Preface viii

Chronology xi

Reference Guide to the Presocratics xii

Map: The Eastern Mediterranean in the Sixth and Fifth Century BCE xiv

1 Introduction 1

2 The Philosophers 9

3 Principles 19

4 Cosmos 31

5 Being 41

6 Soul 52

7 Knowledge 62

8 Ethics 71

9 Conclusion 80

Appendix A: Translation of the Main Fragments 82

Appendix B: The Presocratic Sources 116

Appendix C: The Presocratic Legacy 119

Glossary of Greek Terms 131

Glossary of Philosophical Terms 134

Bibliography 141

Index 151

"Anyone who has got his feet wet in the study of ancient
philosophy knows that the later hilosophical period one works in,
the greater the need is for intimate familiarity with its earlier
stages. Since Presocratic philosophy is standardly considered the
formative stage of ancient philosophy, Stamatellos'
Introduction to Presocratics offers the best kind of
"happy marriage" in which his expertise, as the author
of the aforementioned programmatic study of Presocratic presence in
Plotinus' thought, places him in the auspicious position of
sharing his knowledge of the earliest and latest stages of ancient
philosophy. In such introduction, the stakes are high and the book
meets them." (The International Journal of the Platonic
Tradition, 1 January 2013)

"'...A very good introductory guide for the general public
and an invaluable resource for philosophy lecturers struggling to
enthuse their undergraduate students." (Classical
Review, 1 April 2014)

"Writing an introduction to any subject is a difficult task.
Stamatellos does do an admirable job of lucidly explaining
alien concepts to the novice. There were frequent moments in
reading the book when I wished that I had first approached a topic
as Stamatellos presents it." (Bryn Mawr Classical
Review, 1 December 2012)



"The general public and scholars alike will find
Introduction to Presocratics stimulating, engaging and
exceptionally useful. Stamatellos' intriguing and
illuminating theme-based approach to this subject and his inclusion
of a fresh translation of all the major fragments make this book a
"must have" for anyone interested in Presocratic
philosophy." - Robert D. Luginbill, University of
Louisville



"An excellent introduction to early Greek philosophy -
full of information, yet eminently readable and clearly organised.
The thematic treatment brings new perspectives and fresh
philosophical insights." - Andrew Smith, University
College Dublin

"Surveying the key surviving texts theme by theme sooner
than man by man, Stamatellos offers the beginner clear and
comprehensive insight into the compelling inquiries of the early
Greek thinkers." - Susan Prince, University of
Cincinnati

"Giannis Stamatellos' book is a very elegant and
finely structured introduction to the fascinating beginnings of
Western thought. He has succeeded in making a rather
difficult and complex topic extremely accessible and
stimulating." - Mark Beck, University of South
Carolina