Thales of Miletus

philosopher

Thales of Miletus (c. 624-546 BCE) was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer, often regarded as the first philosopher in Western history. He is known for his belief that water is the fundamental principle (arkhe) underlying all of nature, marking a significant shift from mythological explanations to rational thought. Thales contributed to geometry and is credited with various mathematical discoveries, such as Thales' theorem. He also engaged in astronomical observations, predicting a solar eclipse. His ideas laid the groundwork for future philosophical inquiry and established him as a key figure among the Seven Sages of Greece.