MODULE IV: WHY GREEK PHILOSOPHY?

The last module discussed the gradual separation between mythology and philosophy in the Greek culture. Mythology had a great influence over the development of philosophy. It provided concepts, images and narratives that were appropriated, criticized or categorically rejected by philosophy. While there may be a “break” between mythology and philosophy, philosophy still relied on the mythological tendency to narrate in a poetic style – that is, in graphic and visual terms that were easily understood. Moreover, the early philosophers still had to turn to the myths in order to further their own concepts about the cosmos and humanity.

But the question is why are we focusing ourselves in Greek philosophy? Are there no other philosophies in the world contemporaneous to the time of the early Greeks?

I. Philosophy – Where Did It Come From?

To say that philosophy originated downright from the Greeks is a mistake. The mere fact that every civilization in the whole world has its own set of mythological narratives implies that there is a possibility for every civilization to develop its own set of philosophy. Another thing, it is also a fact that there are other flourishing philosophies in other parts of the world that precede, almost simultaneous to or contemporaneous with Greek philosophy. We can list Buddhist, Hindu and Confucian philosophies as examples. There are also studies that say Greek philosophy is influenced by or derivatives of the mystical arts of Egypt and other Near East cultures and religions. Whatever the case, there is no definitive