Analysis Of Parmenides Poem On Nature - 992 Words

In Parmenides’ poem â€Å"On Nature†, he argues that all things must meet three criteria to be classified as possessing ‘isness’, or having qualities that constitute existence. In order for anything to exist, the object must have no genesis or perishing, no change, and no qualitative distinction. In this paper, I will argue that Anaxagoras provides the best objection to Parmenides’ argument compared to both Empedocles and Democritus because he addresses more of the criteria put forth by Parmenides. Empedocles’ argument against Parmenides addresses genesis and perishing as well as change. He claims â€Å"there is no creation of substance in any one of mortal existences, nor any end in execrable death† (fr. 4). The passage suggests that which exists can have no beginning or end. Since the material explainers exist, they have no genesis or perishing. Also, objects remain â€Å"unmoved (because) they follow the cyclic process† of con tinual exchange (fr. 9, ll. 11). The fragment suggests that continuous movement equates to the absence of movement because if something is constant it remains unchanged. Anaxagoras proposes a response to Parmenides that addresses genesis and perishing, change, and qualitative distinctions. The response centers on eternal seeds that act as the building blocks for all objects. The seeds fit the criteria of having no genesis or perishing because they are eternal and therefore possess no beginning or end. He also presents the idea of the Mind which isShow MoreRelatedAristotle s Views On Metaphysics And Cosmology1481 Words   |  6 PagesParmenides, although generally ascribed the position of a monist, offers arguments through his poem that are not so clearly of monist persuasion and at times, creates a whole host of possible meanings. His views on metaphysics and cosmology seem to differ from his predecessor Heraclitus’ doctrine of flux, believing instead that all is continuousl y one and unchanging, maintaining that beings are what exist and non-beings cannot exist through the acknowledgement that what is existent cannot be createdRead MoreParmenides and Heraclitus5510 Words   |  23 PagesThis paper looks at two Greek philosophers, Heraclitus, and Parmenides. It examines their different theories as to how the universe was created, understanding of the universe, way of truth, way of opinion and the third way. The author explains that Parmenides, who came after Heraclitus, addressed part of his writings as a refutation of Heraclitus? views. He objected both to Heraclitus? view of the universe and how Heraclitus felt people could gain knowledge of it. From the Paper: WhileRead MorePhilosophy And Science Of The Same Breath2132 Words   |  9 Pagesquite an expert in the arts.† This praise is echoed in nearly every account of Democritus’ abilities, and he was well respected even among those who disagreed with his ideas. Democritus is reported by Diogenes Laertius to have written some 70+ books, poems, treatises and such, none of which survive except in references to their arguments. The most frequent commenter on the writings and ideas of Democritus is Aristotle, who seemed to consider him a prominent philosopher and somewhat of a rival in theRead MoreBroken Family3761 Words   |  16 Pagesliterature, epistemology, justice, virtue, politics, education, family, militarism Notable ideas: Theory of Forms, Platonic idealism, Platonic realism, hyperuranion, metaxy, khà ´ra Influenced by: Socrates, Homer, Hesiod, Aristophanes, Aesop, Protagoras, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Orphism Influenced: Most of subsequent western philosophy, including Aristotle, Augustine, Neoplatonism, Cicero, Plutarch, Stoicism, Anselm, Machiavelli, Descartes, Hobbes, Leibniz, Mill, Schopenhauer, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche