The hottest Ancient Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Empedocles

Classical Wisdom • 2279 implied HN points • 12 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Science
  1. Empedocles was a philosopher known for his belief in the four elements and the concept of a conscious universe.
  2. Empedocles believed in the forces of Love and Strife as the key elements in the interaction of the four worldly elements.
  3. Empedocles made significant contributions to early scientific testing, such as proving the existence of air using a water clock.

Aristotle on Luck

Classical Wisdom • 2181 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic
  1. Aristotle distinguishes between luck and chance, pointing out that luck involves events that occur unexpectedly without necessity or regularity.
  2. Luck requires conscious decisions and human intent, while chance is simply a coincidental occurrence without purpose.
  3. Understanding luck and chance can lead to philosophical questions about the universe and our existence.

Heraclitus

Classical Wisdom • 2103 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Cosmology
  1. Heraclitus believed in a world of constant change and transformation, emphasizing unity of opposites.
  2. Heraclitus' concept of the divine Logos serves as a guiding force for the universe, representing an underlying principle for all things.
  3. Heraclitus' philosophy of universal flux, likened to fire, highlights the harmony in the constant transformation of opposites.
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2.0 Aristotle, Plato, & Newton

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Scientific Method Cognition Metaphysics Epistemology
  1. Aristotle and Plato have very different views on existence. Aristotle believes existence comes first, while Plato thinks consciousness creates reality.
  2. The Aristotelian approach focuses on observing nature to discover principles, while the Platonist starts with foundational ideas and deduces from them.
  3. Both schools of thought are important for science. Sometimes we discover new principles like Aristotle, and other times we analyze and apply ideas like Plato.

2.1 Ancient Ideas of Atomism & Plenism

Fields & Energy • 219 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Physics Metaphysics
  1. The concept of atomism began in ancient Greece with philosophers like Leucippus and Democritus, who believed everything is made up of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms. They also thought a void exists where these atoms move.
  2. Democritus' ideas influenced later thinkers like Epicurus, who introduced the idea that atoms can swerve randomly, allowing for free will. Lucretius expanded on this by describing how tiny particles move in ways we can't always see.
  3. Aristotle challenged atomism with his idea of plenism, which suggests everything is filled with matter and there is no empty space. He argued that motion is continuous and depends on the presence of matter all around.

Plato

Classical Wisdom • 58 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy
  1. Plato is considered a fundamental figure in Western philosophy.
  2. Aristotle, his student, held Plato in high regard.
  3. Alfred North Whitehead viewed Plato as a significant influence on Western philosophy.

Epicurus, the First "Rationalist"?

Maximum Truth • 37 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Moral Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics
  1. Epicurus, an ancient philosopher, focused on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain, inspiring utilitarianism.
  2. Epicurus had a rational and secular approach to understanding the world, advocating for scientific explanations over myths.
  3. He had insightful scientific views for his time, such as proposing the existence of atoms and explaining the origins of scents.

Finding Strength Through Stoicism

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Self-awareness Resilience Ancient Philosophy
  1. Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that focuses on accepting life's hardships and taking control of our actions instead of being affected by external events.
  2. Practicing stoic principles can help improve emotional intelligence, mental clarity, resilience in tough situations, and relationships with others.
  3. By embracing stoicism, individuals can learn to manage difficult emotions, stay focused on their goals, and cultivate inner peace and resilience during challenging times.

Stoicism in Pop Culture: Why This Ancient Philosophy is More Relevant Than Ever

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Pop culture Ancient Philosophy Self-Improvement Resilience
  1. Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, teaches rationality, self-control, and accepting what we can't change - a philosophy reflected in popular characters like Batman and Spock
  2. Stoicism's modern resurgence stems from its ability to provide guidance in uncertain times, offering a way to remain calm amidst chaos
  3. Incorporating stoic principles into daily life can enhance resilience, improve decision-making, and lead to a more intentional and meaningful life

The Philosopher's Tarot: Hypatia, Augustine, and the Decline

Outlandish Claims • 0 implied HN points • 23 May 24
📖 Philosophy Religion Ethics Metaphysics Logic Ancient Philosophy
  1. Hypatia and Augustine, despite their similarities and being citizens of the Roman Empire, lived in different territories and faced different markers of the Empire's decline.
  2. Deconstructionism, as coined by Jacques Derrida, involves analyzing concepts as fluid and context-dependent, seen through law interpretations and historical events.
  3. The Roman Empire's legacy lives on in laws, principles, and customs, with its decline evident in violations of rights and shifting power dynamics. We should be intentional about what aspects we overthrow or uphold.