Wow! eBook
The Presocratics and the Supernatural
Author(s): Andrew Gregory (Author)
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
- Publication Date: 24 Oct. 2013
- Edition: Illustrated
- Language: English
- Print length: 296 pages
- ISBN-10: 1780932030
- ISBN-13: 9781780932033
Book Description
This book examines the relationship between magic, philosophy and the investigation of nature in presocratic Greece. Did the presocratic thinkers, often praised for their rejection of the supernatural, still believe in gods and the divine and the efficacy of magical practices? Did they use animism, astrology, numerology and mysticism in their explanations of the world? This book analyses the evidence in detail and argues that we need to look at each of these beliefs in context.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Overall, Gregory provides a thorough introduction to the debates on Presocratic naturalism. He successfully shows that, in many instances, what may seem at first glance to be supernatural was actually carefully integrated into a naturalist conception of the world. His inclusive approach should be particularly invaluable for those who have not yet ventured beyond the confines of the standard philosophical canon.” —Stephanie Magowan, Royal Holloway, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
About the Author
Andrew Gregory is Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, University College London, UK. He is the author of many books on the science of the ancient world, including Plato’s Philosophy of Science (2000), Eureka! The Birth of Science (2001) and Ancient Greek Cosmogony (2008)
