The mysteries of Thales, Parmenides, and Heraclitus: A sneak peek at the Eduasis philosophy curriculum
Start cultivating broader, more meaningful engagement with languages. With Eduasis, you can enrich your journey of becoming proficient by using a course of study that allows you to read about topics that spark your curiosity and captivate your interests — from the history and culture behind your desired country to popular topics like philosophy or science. Whether you’re learning Italian or Greek or Turkish (or a multitude of other tongues), the focus on content such as philosophy allows you to improve your language ability, whilst also allowing you to explore your passions at the same time.
In anticipation of the Eduasis launch, get a preview of our unique programme. You’ve likely heard of Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato, but what about Thales, Parmenides, and Heraclitus? Lesser-cited pre-Socratic thinkers laid the cornerstones for the Western philosophy we know today and inspired generations of prominent scholars to come. Here are a few essential highlights to know about these philosophising pioneers, including their diverse set of thoughts and how they influenced future beliefs.
Thales
Born in the ancient city of Miletus, in what is now modern-day Turkey, Thales proposed that the world could be understood through rational thought and observation, rather than through mythology and superstition. This was revolutionary in an era when gods and goddesses were credited for everything from the rising of the sun to the changing of the seasons. Thales also believed in the power of reason as the base of laws, instead of the whims of rulers, an idea that would later form the basis for democratic governance.
Parmenides
Parmenides, a pre-Socratic philosopher from the ancient city of Elea, is renowned for his profound contributions to metaphysics. His philosophy, centred around the concept of ‘Being’, challenged the conventional perception of reality. By suggesting that reality is singular, unchanging, and timeless, he argued that change is an illusion and a mere product of human perception. His bold assertion dares us to consider the possibility of a reality beyond the realm of sensory experience.
Heraclitus
Often referred to as the ‘Obscure Philosopher’, Heraclitus was a pre-Socratic thinker from Ephesus. His philosophy was based on the observation that everything in the world is in a state of constant flux, and argued that change, rather than stability, is the key characteristic of life. Central to Heraclitus’s philosophy was the concept of the ‘Logos’, a term that is notoriously difficult to translate, and is understood as a principle that is the underlying logic that governs the constant change in the universe. His ideas played a crucial role in the development of philosophies such as existentialism, and continue to resonate today, reminding us of life’s transience.
Eager to add to your knowledge of philosophical ideas and figures throughout history and across the globe, from West to East? Join Eduasis to build foreign language readings from a variety of diverse subjects. We bring new technology to the best training methods, and provide the most insightful way to learn a language. Get quick translations, create personalised flashcards, and ask questions at any time. Learn more and register interest at eduasis.io.
