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Anaximenes of Miletus

c.586-c.526 BCE

Air (aer) is the fundamental substance from which all things arise through…

Thales

c. 624-546 BCE

Everything is water — the first attempt to explain the universe without…

The Milesian School was the first school of Greek philosophy, seeking the arche (fundamental principle) through rational inquiry. Thales proposed water, Anaximander the apeiron, Anaximenes air.

Emerged early 6th century BCE in Miletus. Thales (c. 624-546 BCE) first philosopher. Anaximander and Anaximenes continued.

Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes.

Search for arche. Natural explanation. Material monism. Thales: water. Anaximander: apeiron. Anaximenes: air.

Founded Western philosophy and science. Established rational inquiry. Pioneered cosmological speculation.

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