What is the concept of arche in Presocratic philosophy?

Ancient Philosophy Questions



80 Short 72 Medium 48 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What is the concept of arche in Presocratic philosophy?

The concept of arche in Presocratic philosophy refers to the fundamental principle or element that is believed to be the origin or foundation of all things in the universe. It is the underlying substance or force that gives rise to the diversity and changes observed in the natural world. Different Presocratic philosophers proposed different archai, such as Thales' water, Anaximander's boundless, or Heraclitus' fire. The concept of arche reflects the Presocratics' attempt to understand the nature of reality and the ultimate source of existence.