About the book
In The Greek Concept of Nature, Gerard Naddaf utilizes historical, mythological, and linguistic perspectives to reconstruct the origin and evolution of the Greek concept of phusis. Usually translated as nature, phusis has been decisive both for the early history of philosophy and for its subsequent development. However, there is a considerable amount of controversy on what the earliest philosophers—Anaximander, Xenophanes, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Empedocles, Anaxagoras, Leucippus, and Democritus—actually had in mind when they spoke of phusis or nature. Naddaf demonstrates that the fundamental and etymological meaning of the word refers to the whole process of birth to maturity. He argues that the use of phusis in the famous expression Peri phuseos or historia peri phuseos refers to the origin and the growth of the universe from beginning to end. Naddaf's bold and original theory for the genesis of Greek philosophy demonstrates that archaic and mythological schemes were at the origin of the philosophical representations, but also that cosmogony, anthropogony, and politogony were never totally separated in early Greek philosophy.
Editions of The Greek Concept of Nature
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791463734
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791463741
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791483671
Read an Excerpt
In The Greek Concept of Nature, Gerard Naddaf utilizes historical, mythological, and linguistic perspectives to reconstruct the origin and evolution of the Greek concept of phusis. Usually translated as nature, phusis has been decisive both for the early history of philosophy and for its subsequent development. However, there is a considerable amount of controversy on what the earliest philosophers—Anaximander, Xenophanes, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Empedocles, Anaxagoras, Leucippus, and Democritus—actually had in mind when they spoke of phusis or nature. Naddaf demonstrates that the fundamental and etymological meaning of the word refers to the whole process of birth to maturity. He argues that the use of phusis in the famous expression Peri phuseos or historia peri phuseos refers to the origin and the growth of the universe from beginning to end. Naddaf's bold and original theory for the genesis of Greek philosophy demonstrates that archaic and mythological schemes were at the origin of the philosophical representations, but also that cosmogony, anthropogony, and politogony were never totally separated in early Greek philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Greek Concept of Nature about?
In The Greek Concept of Nature, Gerard Naddaf utilizes historical, mythological, and linguistic perspectives to reconstruct the origin and evolution of the Greek concept of phusis. Usually translated as nature, phusis has been decisive both for the early history of philosophy and for its subsequent development. However, there is a considerable amount of controversy on what the earliest philosophers—Anaximander, Xenophanes, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Empedocles, Anaxagoras, Leucippus, and Democritus—actually had in mind when they spoke of phusis or nature. Naddaf demonstrates that the fundamental and etymological meaning of the word refers to the whole process of birth to maturity. He argues that the use of phusis in the famous expression Peri phuseos or historia peri phuseos refers to the origin and the growth of the universe from beginning to end. Naddaf's bold and original theory for the genesis of Greek philosophy demonstrates that archaic and mythological schemes were at the origin of the philosophical representations, but also that cosmogony, anthropogony, and politogony were never totally separated in early Greek philosophy.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Greek Concept of Nature?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Philosophical traditions and schools of thought > Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy
Where can I read a sample of The Greek Concept of Nature?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791463734
How long is The Greek Concept of Nature and how many pages does it have?
The Greek Concept of Nature has 265 page(s)
Is The Greek Concept of Nature part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Ancient Greek Philosophy
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Greek Concept of Nature?
Gerard Naddaf
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Greek Concept of Nature is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791463734) and paperback(ISBN 9780791463741) and pdf(ISBN 9780791483671)
Where can I buy The Greek Concept of Nature online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Greek Concept of Nature?