From the article: Atheism & Skepticism with Greek Philosophers
It would be difficult to say much about Western philosophy without Greek philosophy — so much of our philosophy even today was already addressed in various ways by philosophers in ancient Greece. This includes many of the common, standard arguments offered by atheists against the existence of gods and traditional religion. We can learn a lot from ancient Greek philosophy. Which of the philosophers of ancient Greece is your favorite or, in your opinion, most important? Why?
Share Your Favorite
Testacles
- My favorite Greek philosopher was Testacles, because his abiding philosophy was, "Have a ball!"
- —Guest Chuck
Heraclitus
- Although fragmentary, Heraclitus is cool. The ideas about the world as a constant-becoming rather than as a found artefact proved influential. So too did his notions about reality ('You never step into the same river twice.') and the universals. Further, his aphoristic style is delightful and is perhaps in this regard an influence upon Nietzsche's later style. Interestingly I came to Heraclitus through Gerard Manley Hopkins' wonderful poem 'That Nature is a Heraclitean Fire and of the comfort of the Resurrection' (Heraclitus thought that fire was the basic element of existence and fuelled the eternal change). Such allusions in such a Christian poet speak of the utility of a cultural literacy in Christian history and literature, however completely we reject the truths of its propositions.
- —Guest Coryat
The Dog was the *man*
- Diogenes was nicknamed "the dog", or in Classical Greek, "kynikos", a word which in English became _cynic_. Diogenes founded the school of the Cynics who questioned everything, whether that be rules, laws, sciences, "gods", or social norms. They were adamantly against anything that was arbitrary and purposeless, and eschewed tradition. Oh - and he was an ardent atheist with no patience for religion. http://millionsofmouths.com/diogenes.html "I am Diogenes the Cynic, called a dog because I fawn on those who give me anything, I yelp at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals."
- —P_Smith
My favourite Greek Philosopher
- Epicurus would be a level 6 atheist on Dawkin's scale. He saw Gods as fabrications made by man because of ignorance and fear. He spent his time trying to understand the world in natural terms. He also set out plans and practises on how to live a life without Gods, denying the need to worship or pray. This kind of life would be centred upon happiness, pleasure and understanding. He gave strong credence to friendship, family and society but also recommended individual independence. His acceptance of the possibility of Gods really should be seen in the contemporary context. Thank you for yet another interesting article.
- —Guest MaxSaru
