Ancient Greek philosopher who proposed a pluralist cosmology: all things are composed of four indestructible elements (fire, air, water, earth) combined and separated by the cosmic forces of Love (Philotes) and Strife (Neikos).
Pluralist response to Parmenides: being does not change, but the four elements, as eternal being, mix and separate. Love and Strife are the motive forces. Early evolutionary proto-theory: surviving creatures are those whose parts happened to fit together.
Discussing
Ask anything about Empedocles — their ideas, influences, contradictions, legacy.
Sign in to start a conversation.