Pioneers of Scientific Thought: Empedocles and Anaxagoras

Scientific thought can be defined as a mode of thinking that enables the production of knowledge within the scope of episteme through experimentation, observation, and the validation of hypotheses. In ancient times, the idea of explaining nature beyond mythologies can be considered as the initial steps of scientific thought. Within this context, it can be said that the natural philosophers took a significant step and opened the door from mythos to logos. In ancient philosophy, Empedocles and Anaxagoras made important contributions to the development of scientific thought. Empedocles, a philosopher, physician, scientist, and politician, lived between 492 and 432 BC. He spent his life in a Greek colony on the southern shores of Sicily. Empedocles represented a pluralistic understanding in philosophy and followed a conciliatory path in the debates of his time regarding change. He achieved significant success in the field of medicine and was reputed to have revived the dead during his time. In the political arena, he advocated for democracy and played a significant role in the political life of his country as the leader of the Democratic Party. Empedocles aimed to reform the religious beliefs of his time. Anaxagoras (500-428 BC) was born near Klazomenai, which is located within the borders of present-day Turkey, near Urla. He is regarded as a philosopher and scientist who spent his entire life and fortune on scientific research. He went to Athens at the invitation of Pericles and conducted research on celestial bodies there. The explanations that contradicted the beliefs of their time were not always welcomed with respect by all segments of society. At times, due to their thoughts that went against the beliefs of their time, they also faced discrimination. This study attempts to present the lives, philosophies, thoughts, and discrimination faced by the two sages of ancient times.