Greek Philosophy Research Articles

Philosophical Insights: Unraveling the Rich Tapestry of Qur'anic Interpretations through Falsafi Tafsir

The existence of the philosophical interpretation (tafsir falsafi) has sparked serious debates among scholars, who consider it too radical and potentially harmful to the community due to its freedom in utilizing reason. However, through this research, we explore that the diversity in interpreting the Quran is actually a result of human thought, especially in the realm of philosophy, as the quest for meaning in the Quran fundamentally involves philosophical thinking. The objective of this research is to refute views that label philosophical interpretation as a radical and dangerous approach merely because it is associated with the philosophy of that time, especially that which originated from historically non-Islamic Greek philosophy. The research methodology employed is a literature study (library research), involving the collection and screening of data from various sources to be presented systematically. With this argumentation, we aim to prove that philosophical interpretation significantly contributes to enriching the understanding of the Quran. The philosophy that dominates in this interpretation is not something deviant or perilous in interpreting the verses of the Quran but rather a reflection of philosophical thought applied to the object of justification, namely the Quran itself, and not the other way around. The diversity in philosophical approaches contributes significantly to the development of philosophical thought related to the Quran.

Stoische Doxographie in der Ethik des Clemens von Alexandrien

Stoische Doxographie in der Ethik des Clemens von Alexandrien

Early Greek Philosophy

Early Greek Philosophy

The Human Life and Dignity in a Trans-humanist Context

The main scope of the paper is to analyze the human life and dignity in a transhumanist perspective. The approach we propose is a historical and analytical one. We will start from the milestones in the Greek philosophy regarding the virtues of the superior human, as was viewed in that era of mankind (what today is known in philosophy as a superhuman). After the historical analysis, we will start the analytical approach and discuss the passage from humanism to transhumanism regarding the superhuman. The discussions will focus on the concepts of divine transcendence and the pseudo-transcendence discussions, the dehumanization of man, the transformation of man into a superhuman under the influence of technology. Our conclusions are that man needs to feel protected, to feel free and to feel human, but what it means to be human is different according to the historical age we consider in the timeline of humanity.

Amphibolism of Legal Discourse, or the Art of Word Mastery in Professional Legal Activity

Introduction: the paper discusses the problems and prospects of the study of legal discourse in procedural law. On the one hand, the lack of unity and unambiguity in the definition of legal discourse makes it possible to characterize the situation as amphibolic. On the other hand, there is an awareness that everything new is just well-forgotten old. The development of the problem of language and law began as early as ancient Greek philosophers and lawyers of Ancient Rome, who for the first time drew attention to the fact that the words of the law were not identical with its “power and authority” (vin ac potestatem). Therefore, it would be at least doubtful to talk about the relevance of the problem from a position of novelty today. The art of using the word in professional activity has always been of concern to the legal community. Therefore, the paper attempts to show continuity in the study of the issue and the possibility of enriching developments in this direction, taking into account modern achievements. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to generalize the positions available in various branches of knowledge regarding what is included in the content of legal discourse, as well as to identify the functions and properties of this multidimensional concept. Methods: in the course of the research, the dialectical and general scientific methods of cognition were used – observation, description, and theoretical understanding of the material, systematic interpretation. Among the specific scientific methods of studying the subject of scientific research were the formal legal and generalization methods. Results: it is advisable to abandon the complication of the definition of legal discourse by eliminating the accumulation of various components in its content, devoid of practical content. “Do not multiply entities unnecessarily” – this is how Occam’s principle sounds. The definition of legal discourse through words in law most clearly and fully characterizes the essence of this phenomenon. Conclusions: legal discourse is the art of using the word in the professional activity of a lawyer, human common sense.

A comparative analysis of ancient Indian and Greek philosophy: A historical perspective

A comparative analysis of ancient Indian and Greek philosophy: A historical perspective

Pochwała człowieka poszukującego w monografii D. Kuboka pt. "Krytycyzm, sceptycyzm i zetetycyzm we wczesnej filozofii greckiej", Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego, Katowice 2021.

D. Kubok’s monograph entitled Krytycyzm, sceptycyzm i zetetycyzm we wczesnej filozofii greckiej (Criticism, Skepticism and Zeteticism in Early Greek Philosophy) addresses the issue of critical themes in early Greek thought. The work aims not to discuss skeptical antecedents but to find critical attitudes and motives in Greek literature (from Homer to the Sophists) using the author’s understanding and typology of criticism, skepticism and zeteticism.

The features of the theoretical training of the ancient Roman military

The purpose of the article. To investigate the specifics of the training of senior officers of the Roman army in the Late Republican period and the Early Principate. To outline the peculiarities of the study of military theory by the senior command staff of the legion, as well as to prove the probability of the existence of specialized libraries among the Roman elite, which consisted of the works of Greek and Roman authors of the genre of military literature. Research methodology. The research methodology: comparative, analysis, synthesis and analytical analysis. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that the problem of military education in Ancient Rome was comprehensively investigated for the first time. In particular, the peculiarities of the study of the theory of military affairs not only by representatives of the highest military command — those from the nobility, but also by "new people" (homines novi) — representatives of the riding class (equites) are analyzed. Conclusions. It has been proven that the senior officers were not illiterate in military affairs and quite successfully coped with the assigned tasks — both in the administrative field and on the battlefield. It is also determined that the responsibilities of the senior officers of the Roman army, in particular military commanders, in addition to knowledge and skills in the field of military art, also included understanding the psychology of ordinary soldiers and the art of eloquence (rhetoric). The latter was acquired not so much from experience as from studying the works of Greek orators and philosophers.

Indian philosophy as a precursor of the string theory of consciousness. Part 2

Introduction. The article examines the formation of the Ancient Indian philosophy and its connection to consciousness. The Indian philosophy has come a long way from its onset, in parallel with the Chinese and Ancient Greek philosophy. At the same time, the ideas of some of its branches and schools differ in a number of features. Purpose setting. By the example of the Sankhya school of philosophy, we have explored the evolution of the views of Ancient Indian philosophers on the evolution of the Universe, nature and man. We have put particular emphasis on the concept of consciousness.Methodology and methods of the study. In Sankhya system, the fundamental Prakriti and Purusha principles are identified. Other elements are supplementary. Ancient philosophers laid special emphasis on the three vibrating gunas. These are sattva, rajas, and tamas. We have revealed the functional connections between the gunas. The way they interact, in balance or dominance, determines the entire variety of material and spiritual processes. The evolution of the Universe in the Sankhya interpretation is close to the scientific theory of the Big Bang. The development of nature can be traced through the complication of atoms starting from the influence of a stimulus on unconscious chaos. The result of human evolution is the emergence of consciousness derivatives: intellect, mind and I (Ego). This allows better understanding of the behavioral characteristics of an existing personality. Yoga complements Sankhya system and makes it possible to transform consciousness in a number of states.Results. The analysis was carried out using scientific articles and monographs relatively unknown in the Russian press. Cognitive development occurs in a spiral. The scientific theory of strings appeared two and a half millennia after the emergence of the gunas concept. We have made a number of analogies between Ancient Indian gunas and contemporary string theory. And have substantiated the theory of consciousness not with quantum theory, but with a deeper string theory. The concept of consciousness is supported in line with the scientific paradigm of T. Kuhn. The leading ideas are the ideas about information of D. Chalmers and the physicist J. Wheeler.Conclusion. Thus, the phenomenon of consciousness has a silicon and biological basis. We insist on using the semantic concept of artificial consciousness instead of artificial intelligence. Therefore, between human consciousness and artificial consciousness there may be dangerous risks of dominance of the latter.

Lightning and thunder explanations in encyclopedias – from ancient Greece to Wikipedia

Abstract. After a brief introduction to encyclopedias, the explanation of lightning and thunder in well-known encyclopedias, from the works of Greek philosophers to encyclopedias of modern physics, is examined. Starting with Aristotle (who is not regarded as an encyclopedist but is very important for our topic), 10 out of more than 200 known encyclopedias are treated in some detail. This selection is certainly somewhat arbitrary, but it an attempt was made to choose encyclopedias which are highlights and which were widely circulated at their time. In antiquity and during the Middle Ages, the explanations of thunderstorms were generally quite different from the modern view, explaining, for instance, lightning as a consequence of thunder. Besides this, strange effects of lightning were often reported. Many authors of those times used the explanations of former encyclopedias, sometimes referring to earlier authors, often just plagiarizing. These ideas, unorthodox by our present understanding, persisted for almost 2 millennia in encyclopedias. From the middle of the 18th century onward, physical explanations began to emerge; these are still valid today. More and more correct details regarding lightning and thunder and the results of experiments have been reported in encyclopedias. It is also attempted in this paper to name the insights of other scientists which the authors of contemporary encyclopedias do not mention but which should have been available at the time. Finally, it is stated that, even today, several details regarding thunderstorms are not well understood.

Mind-body medicine and altered states of consciousness in Homo

The mind-body relationship has long been a subject of inquiry from both philosophical and scientific perspectives. Ancient Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras and Plato posited dualistic models, where the mind and body are distinct substances. In contrast, modern approaches in Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) offer integrative models that emphasize the interconnectedness of mental and physical states and the proactive role of the patient in their own healing process. This review examines the evolutionary roots of altered states of consciousness (ASC) as a precursor to current MBM techniques. By tracing ASC to early hominins and their cognitive development, it posits that the ability to enter various ASC—such as those used in rituals, meditation, and other mind-body practices—provided evolutionary advantages, influencing both individual fitness and social cohesion. Moreover, this review discusses tonic immobility in animals as a survival mechanism and explores parallels in human and non-human primate behaviors involving ASC. Additionally, neurochemical pathways that govern ASC, such as serotonergic and dopaminergic regulation, are explored for their roles in promoting social behaviors, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation. Furthermore, the role of the default mode network is investigated in relation to psychotropic and mood altering substances and altered states of consciousness. This integrated perspective offers new insights into the origins of MBM and underscores the significance of ASC in both evolutionary and contemporary contexts.

A Brief Inquiry into the History of Everyday Aesthetic Ideas. Care of the Home in the Thought of Socrates and Xenophon

Emerged as a new philosophical trend, Everyday Aesthetics shifts focus from Arts to daily practices and objects. However, its historical dimension remains relatively unexplored. Adopting a historical approach inspired by Tatarkiewicz, this paper addresses this gap by examining the notions of home care in the thoughts of Greek philosophers Socrates and Xenophon. Analyzing Xenophon’s works reveals how ancient concepts of order and beauty apply to daily life, enriching contemporary Everyday Aesthetics discussions on cleanliness and domestic care.

Studi Komparatif Teori Air Thales Dengan Teori Air Dalam Konsep Al-qur’an

The initial idea for writing this paper originated from the author's anxiety to find an answer to whether there was a common thread that connected or relatedness and harmony between Ancient Greek philosophy and Islamic teachings, focused on a discussion of the theory of water put forward by Thales, the pioneer of ancient Greek philosophy in the 6th century BC. in line with the theory of water contained in the Qur'an which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. in the mid 6-7 AD range. I think we have encountered a lot of research and discussions about ancient Greek philosophy, especially thoughts about Thales, but the author found a gap that has not been discussed, namely whether there is harmony between these two seemingly different points of view, which is philosophy. is guided by rational reason while Islamic teachings are guided by revelation, so in this research the author has found common points of similarities and differences which I will explain below. In this research the author uses a descriptive comparative analysis method and examines various related sources, hopefully it will be useful for readers

From ''Dependent Translation" to "Creative Translation'' by Taha Abdurrahman

This paper undertakes a critical and analytical examination of the transformative dimensions of translation as conceptualized by the Moroccan philosopher Taha Abdurrahman. Central to Abdurrahman’s intellectual project is the call to transcend the pervasive Eurocentrism that characterizes contemporary translation theories. Abdurrahman offers a nuanced critique of the translation methodologies employed during the Abbasid period, particularly the uncontextualized appropriation of Greek philosophy. He contends that this approach led to the marginalization of Islamic philosophy, reducing it to a mode of mere transmission and dependency, initially on ancient Greece and subsequently on the modern West. To address these historical inadequacies, Abdurrahman advocates for an innovative translation strategy termed taʾṣīliyya, which translates literally to “authenticating.” This strategy emphasizes a transformative process whereby the source text is integrated into the receiving culture, aligning with its specific epistemic and cultural needs, irrespective of the original context. Abdurrahman posits that this method is essential for fostering an autonomous Arab/Islamic philosophical tradition, one that is not subsumed under external theoretical paradigms, even if this necessitates deviating from conventional criteria of accuracy and faithfulness. This paper critically engages with the theoretical foundations and proposes practical applications of Abdurrahman’s translation paradigm. It situates his framework within the broader historical trajectory of translation in the Arabic intellectual tradition and contemporary translation studies. Furthermore, it interrogates the theoretical and methodological ramifications of eschewing conventional norms of fidelity and accuracy, notwithstanding their entrenched and restrictive nature.

THE PROBLEM OF VIOLENCE IN THE ANCIENT CULTURAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITION

The article attempts to trace the key points of view on the problem of violence in the philosophical views of the most famous thinkers of European antiquity. It is shown that in the system of social relations, violence in its pure form plays the role of the oldest and most primitive way of resolving the objectively existing conflict of interests of the participants of the social process. The nature of the conflict is rooted in the actual inequality of one subject to another, which finds its fullest expression in the inequality of the needs of individuals. It is substantiated that violence becomes a legal regulator of public interests when the extent of its use in society is recognized by the majority. It is shown that in the context of the development of ancient philosophy, the problem of violence was considered mainly in connection with the socio-political teachings of the classics of Greek philosophy, as well as within the framework of moral discourse. The phenomenon of violence was not tolerated by representatives of ancient philosophy as a separate problem worthy of consideration.

Discovering our Sun: From the most important god to a mere dwarf star

Abstract This is a graphic description of the Sun as a source of fascination and awe since the very early civilisations with its importance for life and the horror of seeing it disappearing in the middle of the day and how ancient generations followed its movements throughout the year, building clever monuments to mark its rising and setting position on the horizon. The principles of astrology are dealt with and the amazing intuition of ancient Greek philosophers who suggested that the Sun could be a nearby star is admired. The journey ends by placing the Sun amongst the stars in a wonderful confluence of myth, art and science.

Defending Indian Philosophy from the Criticisms of Stace

In his, A Critical History of Greek Philosophy, W. T. Stace denies to give Indian schools of thought a philosophical status. He gives three reasons for that—(1) Indian thoughts have practical motivation, (2) instead of rational explanation, it is content with symbolism, and (3) India lies outside the mainstream human civilization. In the defense of Indian philosophy, these three arguments have been countered in this paper from different perspectives. It has been shown that these arguments are rooted in scientism, extreme idealism, and ethnocentrism respectively. Stace has also argued that philosophy has four leading traits—(1) discussing the universe as a whole, (2) generalizing sciences, (3) idealism, and (4) non-practical motivation. For a proper defense, it has been shown that Indian systems share those traits. At the end, a conclusive remark has been given. It has been remarked that Stace’s case is an example of ethnocentric bias and racism. It has also been suggested that the interaction of the philosophies of different civilizations is necessary for the very sake of philosophy. Though this is not the first endeavor to defend Indian philosophy, the literature review (conducted by the author) suggests that Stace’s arguments haven’t been criticized separately. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#73-74; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2023 P 281-314

Ancient Greek laws of nature

The prevailing narrative in the history of science maintains that the ancient Greeks did not have a concept of a ‘law of nature’. This paper overturns that narrative and shows that some ancient Greek philosophers did have an idea of laws of nature and, moreover, they referred to them as ‘laws of nature’. This paper analyzes specific examples of laws of nature in texts by Plato, Aristotle, Philo of Alexandria, Nicomachus of Gerasa, and Galen. These examples emerged out of the closely intertwined Platonic and Pythagorean traditions, and these philosophers' texts make reference to laws of nature when describing arithmetical methods, arithmological doctrines, or medical theories. Nicomachus' laws of nature are especially noteworthy, because they have features that historians look for in the search for the origin of the modern concept of laws of nature. Nicomachus' laws of nature are mathematical, universal, and necessary. This paper raises the possibility that the ancient Platonic and Pythagorean traditions influenced the subsequent development of the idea of laws of nature in medieval and early modern Europe, including the conception of laws of nature deployed by Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton.

IT IS THE QUALITY OF OUR CHARACTER THAT DETERMINES OUR PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS

AbstractThe author, Leader to Leader’s editor‐in‐chief, examines the rapid changes in today’s society, and how leaders react to and lead through these changes. She nods to the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus (c. 535–475 BC), and begins with a quotation from former Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally. She also quotes from Leader to Leader’s founder, Frances Hesselbein, in her 2005 column “The Leaders We Need”: “In the end, it is the quality and character of the leader that determines the performance, the results.” An important distinction in how leaders adapt and lead through change is to not compromise our values and ethics for the sake of expediency. Recalling one particular example drawn from a story told by a client about someone they had coached, McArthur writes, “Yet, in the end, the leader chose to bend just a touch to meet goals and stay employed rather than to live the values agreed upon by the leadership team and committed to by the entire company.”

Atoms and Void: Does Atomic Theory Have Anything to Say to Chemists in the 21ˢᵗ Century?

Although the theory of atomism was postulated by Greek philosophers, such as Democritus, Epicurus, and Leucippus 2500 years ago, it remains inspiring for chemists. It is worth considering how this theory, without scientific evidence, could so closely correlate with conclusions derived from experimental results achieved by physicists and chemists since the 19th century. Physics has refuted the notion of the indivisibility of atoms; on the other hand, subatomic particles no longer carry the qualitative attributes of matter. Despite these advancements, the theory of atomism remains relevant from the perspective of an experimental chemist who works daily with atoms, ions, and molecules. The theory of atomism was brought back into focus with the advent of Dalton, who adapted the concept of atoms to modern scientific knowledge. This paper provides a brief historical overview of the development of atomistic theory, contemplating its relevance to the current chemical understanding of atoms and their properties. Synthesizing these perspectives, it becomes evident that modern science essentially confirms the insights of ancient atomists, originally conceived through reason and rational deliberation.