Anaxagoras

Pre-Socratic philosopher known for the concept of Nous (Cosmic Mind)

Chronology: -500 – -428

Origins & Early Life

Anaxagoras (; Ancient Greek: Ἀναξαγόρας, Anaxagóras; c. 500 BC – c. 428 BC) was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher. Born in Clazomenae at a time when Asia Minor was under the control of the Persian Empire, Anaxagoras came to Athens.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In later life he was charged with impiety and went into exile in Lampsacus. Responding to the claims of Parmenides on the impossibility of change, Anaxagoras introduced the concept of Nous (Cosmic Mind) as an ordering force. He also gave several novel scientific accounts of natural phenomena, including the notion of panspermia, that life exists throughout the universe and could be distributed everywhere. He deduced a correct explanation for eclipses and described the Sun as a fiery mass larger than the Peloponnese, and also attempted to explain rainbows and meteors. He also speculated that the sun might be just another star.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

== Biography == Anaxagoras was born in the town of Clazomenae in the early 5th century BC, where he may have been born into an aristocratic family. He arrived at Athens, either shortly after the Persian war (in which he may have fought on the Persian side), or at some point when he was a bit older, around 456 BC. While at Athens, he became...

Source: Wikipedia