Abstract
- The study investigates between Thales and Homer regarding the existence of life through the insights provided by naturalistic and supernatural approaches.
- Thales is one of the pioneer scientists and philosophers who advocated natural phenomena as empirical observation and rational analysis.
- On the other hand, Homer’s approach suggests that life is governed by gods, emphasizing divine intervention in human affairs.
- Through a comparative analysis of both approaches, this study compares how Thales’ naturalism theory offers a more coherent understanding of existence.
- Overall, this paper resonates with Thales’ naturalistic approach as a superior answer in explaining life’s existence.
Introduction
Although modern technology has aided man in establishing theories that define existence, this paper looks into the founding narratives that tried to explain how life exists. Therefore, to have a background on how modern science has evolved, this study focuses on Thales’ theory of naturalism and Homer’s approach to the supernatural.
While looking at the existing theories that try to explain the existence of life and living things, the theories presented by Thales and Homers take center stage in this paper. Through observations, both approaches have equal support in the scholarly vicinity, hence playing a significant part in understanding the existence of things. Additionally, the epic encounter of Thales and Homer’s theological systems creates a core of man’s thinking about the world diversely. Looking first at Thales, Aristotle pointed out that Thales was the pioneering scientist and philosopher who invented the idea that natural phenomena can be explained by naturally looking at them. Furthermore, Aristotle described Thales as intent on rational explanations of natural occurrences, attributing them to traceable and logical causes instead of divine intervention. Hence, Thales suggested that all things are derived from water, which is a more logical perspective on describing life. Thales also quoted that “we all look at science for answers,” hence stressing the significance of the study (Cantor, para 2)
Thales’ emphasis on empirical observation and rational analysis symbolized a radical change against the mythological viewpoint of his era. Thus,Thales, through his observations, gave rise to scientific research and a philosophical understanding of existence. On the other hand, Homer, a famous ancient Greek poet, had his vision of how things since creation came into existence. Through his narratives, Homer emphasized that everything lives with the help of supernatural beings. Hence, he conveyed that gods and heroes ruled the world under divine support and destiny.
Additionally, Homer’s observations provide readers with thoughts of adventure and the human condition made possible by gods. Through the theme of vivid visions, Homer introduces topics such as honor, glory, and the vulnerability of human life. Hence, Homer’s arguments on existence are based on love, war, and human spirit narratives. By closely examining the theories presented by both scholars, this study resonates with Thales’s thinking, as his approach to explaining existence is based on a scientific approach. Also, Thales’s naturalism theory gives a more reasonable and satisfying vision of life, unlike the supernatural worldview presented by Homer.
Science and philosophy:
According to (Brendel, para 4), Thales quoted that “the world should be reasoned as a part of the existing nature,” opposing the supernatural thinking approach. Through his observations, Thales discovered the elementary laws common to the universe, pointing to empirical analysis and rational inquiry as the primary means of understanding reality. Hence, Thales suggested his naturalism theory as a reasonable approach to understanding the world through empirical reasoning instead of superstition and divine intervention. According to (Brendel, para 4), Thales claimed that water is the first fundamental element from which all things originate. Although Thales’s idea may not resonate with modern theories, it was a profound attitude modification during the medieval era. Rather than relying on supernatural causes to explain natural phenomena, Thales had set a rational hypothesis based on deduction and observation. The hypothesis paved the way for scientists to gain knowledge of existence rather than relying on mythological narratives that Homer supported.
While looking at Homer’s supernatural theory of existence, readers can understand that Homer’s worldview believed that spiritual phenomena pointing to gods were responsible for existence. For instance, Homer writes that “even the Greeks could not penetrate the gates of Troy,” showing how much gods dictated the war’s outcome (Brokalaki Zafeirenia, para 6). Through his poems, Homer portrays gods as controllers of human affairs, concluding that human existence is based on the likeness of the gods. According to (Brokalaki Zafeirenia, para 10), the supernatural ingredients created by Homer through his literature work sort to explain how Homer believed the gods control human life. Homers also described gods as having absolute power and freedom, compared to humans, whom he depicted as living under the mercies of gods. Contrary to Thales’ philosophy, based on experience and scientific explanation, Homer views supernatural forces as the primary source of human life. Based on this paper, Thales’ theory of naturalism explains well the roots of how things existed through an empirical approach, making his theory more convincing.
Thales way:
Although Homer’s narratives are captivating and impressive in a literature approach, his view of the world needs evidence confirming the existence of reality and the clarity of thinking. Among the fundamental principles of Homer’s thinking is that gods and goddesses often determine people’s destinies. In his exploration, Homer terms gods as the key destiny shapers in the destiny of humankind, pointing out that gods dictate the events of every account in human life. HReason and observable facts do not support Homer’s interpretation of the physical natural occurrences. Unlike rational explanations dependent on observation and analysis, Homer gives away the causes of weather changes to the urges of indifferent gods. For instance, in “The Odyssey,” Poseidon’s anger leading to the storms at sea is mentioned, and in “The Iliad,” Apollo’s divine power contributes to the plague in the Greek camp. The purpose of these explanations is divine agent, and no space is left for more rational and empirical evaluation. Homer’s depiction of how gods control all living things elicits doubts about the moral authority of the gods.
Unlike Homer’s supernatural point of view, Thales’ naturalistic explanation provides a more robust system for understanding the world. Thales traces the explanation of natural processes to natural causes rather than from gods. Furthermore, Thales points out that water is the universal essence from which all life forms emerge, becoming the foundation stone of today’s modern empirical science. Thales’ philosophy is based on natural observation, rational deductions, and being realistic. Unlike the theory of supernatural causes, Thales insists on the rational approach to natural phenomena by trying to unveil the open principles. Thales’ naturalistic method provides a concept that enables human agency and capability. Through Thales’ observations, individuals can use the principles of nature to understand the meaning of life and its core. Thales’ confidence in the power of human reason and inquiry allows individuals to seek knowledge and a deeper understanding of how nature influences life.
Additionally, Thales’ scientific approach to natural causes transformed the world of science and philosophy, which later became the basis for further studies. Thales created a new era of Enlightenment and scientific investigation by explaining life through natural processes instead of myths. Through the observations of (Brendel, para 3), Thales’ naturalistic worldview presents a stronger sovereignty and power for humans. Additionally, through the knowledge of the natural phenomena that occur to form the universe, individuals can utilize the theory to benefit instead of being overcome by the thought of being controlled by higher beings. Through Thales’ certainty about the role of humans, his study on naturalism encourages humans to search for knowledge and understanding through science, making informed decisions on one’s destiny.
Conclusion:
Although Homer’s poetry may present an interactive narrative about gods and heroes, Thales’ naturalistic approach provides a more sensitive and coherent version of how life existed. Hence, this paper concludes that Thales’ work has significantly promoted empirical observation and rational inquiry. Additionally, Thales’ empirical approach to how nature shapes life helps individuals challenge theories by analyzing data rather than having a mythological worldview. By noticing the influence created by the theory of naturalism on modern studies, this paper adopts Thales’ theory of naturalism as a superior vital approach to understanding life.
Works Cited
Brendel, Oliver. “The Relationship between Plant Growth and Water Consumption: A History from the Classical Four Elements to Modern Stable Isotopes.” Annals of Forest Science, vol. 78, no. 2, Apr. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-021-01063-2.
Brokalaki Zafeirenia. “Creativity in the Ancient Greek Philosophy: The Politics of Demiourgein.” The Journal of Creative Behavior, Wiley-Blackwell, Mar. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1002/jocb.644. Accessed 21 Mar. 2024.
Cantor, Lea. “Thales – the ‘First Philosopher’? A Troubled Chapter in the Historiography of Philosophy.” British Journal for the History of Philosophy, vol. 30, no. 5, Mar. 2022, pp. 727–50, https://doi.org/10.1080/09608788.2022.2029347.
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