Archelaus was a Pre-Socratic philosopher who claimed the First Cause of existence was the opposition of heat and cold which created the pluralistic world. He is said to have been the teacher of Socrates of Athens.

What was Archelaus philosophy?

Archelaus advocated a mechanistic universe which operated through the clash between cold and heat and there seems no place for a Higher Power in his belief system. He is said to have developed an ethical system that influenced Socrates but this has been lost.

Why is Archelaus called "the last Pre-Socratic philosopher"?

Archelaus is called "the last Pre-Socratic philosopher" because he is said to have been the teacher of Socrates of Athens.

Do any of Archelaus' works still exist?

No. Archelaus' works only exist now in fragments and through references by later writers.

Archelaus (Philosopher)

Definition

Archelaus of Athens (l. c. 5th century BCE) was a Pre-Socratic philosopher in ancient Greece who claimed the first cause of existence was the opposition of cold and heat which caused the separation of the universal essence to produce a plurality of living things. He is considered the last Pre-Socratic philosopher as he is claimed to have taught Socrates.

More about: Archelaus (Philosopher)

Timeline

c. 610 BCE - c. 546 BCE
Dates of Anaximander who develops the cosmic theory of the apeiron as the First Cause of existence.
c. 469 BCE - 399 BCE
Life of Socrates.
c. 500 CE - c. 400 CE
Life of Archelaus.

Timeline Search

Search through the entire ancient history timeline. Specify between which dates you want to search, and what keywords you are looking for.