History of Philosophy

Ancient Philosophy

Definition and Periodization

The initial phase of European philosophy is termed Ancient Philosophy. The word "ancient" derives from the Latin term antiquus, meaning "old." However, "ancient" does not refer to all things from the distant past; it specifically denotes the culture of Ancient Greece and Rome from their inception (7th century BCE) to the decline of the Roman Empire (5th century CE). Thus, when referring to the culture of Ancient Greece or Rome, it is commonly called "ancient," whereas Egyptian or Persian cultures from the same era are described as "ancient" rather than "classical."

Ancient philosophy is divided into three periods:

• Pre-Socratic Philosophy: This period spanned from the 6th to the 4th century BCE, before the advent of Socrates. During this time, philosophers aimed primarily to discover the archê, or the fundamental principle underlying everything that exists.
• Classical Greek Philosophy: Extending through the 4th century BCE, this era encompasses the activities of three of antiquity's greatest philosophers—Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—who established the foundation for subsequent philosophical thought.
• Late Antique Philosophy or Hellenistic Philosophy: Beginning after the conquests of Alexander the Great and continuing until the fall of the Roman Empire, this period was characterized by a focus on moral philosophy.

The reach of Ancient Philosophy covered the entire area influenced by Greek and Roman cultures. In antiquity, Greeks occupied a vast territory, including the Balkan, Anatolian, and Apennine peninsulas, as well as the northern shores of the Mediterranean. Prior to Alexander the Great, the Greeks did not form a unified empire but developed numerous city-states, each with its own social structure, ranging from democracy (Athens) to dictatorship (Sparta). Following Greece's incorporation into the Roman Empire, the domain of ancient philosophy expanded to encompass the entire empire.