Single Idea 5987

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 1. Mind / d. Location of mind]

Full Idea

Alcmaeon apparently was the first Greek to assign central cognitive and biological functions to the brain.

Gist of Idea

Alcmaeon was the first to say the brain is central to thinking

Source

report of Alcmaeon (fragments/reports [c.490 BCE]) by Heinrich von Staden - Alcmaeon

Book Reference

'Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy', ed/tr. Zeyl,Donald J. [Fitzroy Dearborn 1997], p.19


A Reaction

The name of Alcmaeon should be remembered with honour. This was 200 years before Aristotle, who still hadn't worked it out. I presume Alcmaeon inferred the truth from head injuries, which is overwhelming evidence, if you notice it.