Combining Texts

Ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'Timaeus' and 'Reply to 'Rorarius' 2nd ed'

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10 ideas

26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 1. Nature
The creator of the cosmos had no envy, and so wanted things to be as like himself as possible [Plato]
     Full Idea: This changing cosmos was made because its maker is good, and therefore lacks envy; he therefore wished all things to be as like himself as possible.
     From: Plato (Timaeus [c.349 BCE], 29e)
The cosmos must be unique, because it resembles the creator, who is unique [Plato]
     Full Idea: So that our universe can resemble the perfect living creature in being unique, the universe was, is and will continue to be its maker's only creation.
     From: Plato (Timaeus [c.349 BCE], 31c)
26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / c. Ultimate substances
Heraclitus said sometimes everything becomes fire [Heraclitus, by Aristotle]
     Full Idea: Heraclitus claimed that from time to time everything becomes fire.
     From: report of Heraclitus (fragments/reports [c.500 BCE]) by Aristotle - Metaphysics 1067a
26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / e. The One
Reason tells us that all things are one [Heraclitus]
     Full Idea: When you have listened, not to me but to the law (logos), it is wise to agree that all things are one.
     From: Heraclitus (fragments/reports [c.500 BCE], B050), quoted by Hippolytus - Refutation of All Heresies 9.9.1
26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / f. Ancient elements
Heraclitus says that at some time everything becomes fire [Heraclitus, by Aristotle]
     Full Idea: Heraclitus says that at some time everything becomes fire.
     From: report of Heraclitus (fragments/reports [c.500 BCE]) by Aristotle - Physics 204b37
     A reaction: Modern cosmology says that Heraclitus was right (pretty much). If we say 'energy' instead of 'fire' (which may be what he meant), then he is absolutely spot-on.
The sayings of Heraclitus are still correct, if we replace 'fire' with 'energy' [Heraclitus, by Heisenberg]
     Full Idea: If we replace Heraclitus's word 'fire' by the word 'energy' we can almost repeat his statements word for word from our modern point of view.
     From: report of Heraclitus (fragments/reports [c.500 BCE]) by Werner Heisenberg - Physics and Philosophy 04
     A reaction: My problem has always been that I have no idea what 'energy' is, so I'm none the wiser.
Heraclitus said fire could be transformed to create the other lower elements [Heraclitus, by Diog. Laertius]
     Full Idea: Heraclitus taught that fire when densified becomes liquid, and becoming concrete, becomes also water; again, that the water when concrete is turned to earth, and this is the road down.
     From: report of Heraclitus (fragments/reports [c.500 BCE]) by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 09.1.6
26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / g. Atomism
We must consider the four basic shapes as too small to see, only becoming visible in large numbers [Plato]
     Full Idea: We must think of the individual units of all four basic shapes as being far too small to be visible, and only becoming visible when massed together in large numbers.
     From: Plato (Timaeus [c.349 BCE], 56c)
26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 4. Source of Kinds
Logos is the source of everything, and my theories separate and explain each nature [Heraclitus]
     Full Idea: All things come into being according to this Law ('logos'), ...and I expound theories (words) and processes (actions) separating each thing according to its nature and explaining how it is made.
     From: Heraclitus (fragments/reports [c.500 BCE], B001), quoted by Sextus Empiricus - Against the Mathematicians 7.133
     A reaction: I like the fact that things are separated according to their natures (particulars!), and not that natures are somehow bestowed on individuals.
26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 1. Causation
There are two types of cause, the necessary and the divine [Plato]
     Full Idea: We must distinguish two types of cause, the necessary and the divine.
     From: Plato (Timaeus [c.349 BCE], 68e)