Full Idea
Greek philosophers may have invented the concept of 'nature' to underline their superiority over poets and religious leaders.
Gist of Idea
Greek philosophers invented the concept of 'nature' as their special subject
Source
Peter Watson (Ideas [2005], Ch.06)
Book Reference
Watson,Peter: 'Ideas: from fire to Freud' [Phoenix 2006], p.179
A Reaction
Brilliant. They certainly wrote a lot of books entitled 'Peri Physis' (Concerning Nature), and it was the target of their expertise. A highly significant development, along with their rational methods. Presumably Socrates extends nature to include ethics.