Thales of Miletus

Biography

Thales of Miletus (c. 624–546 BCE) was a Greek philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer, often regarded as the first philosopher in Western history. Born in the ancient city of Miletus, in present-day Turkey, Thales is remembered as one of the Seven Sages of Greece—a group of early thinkers known for their wisdom and practical insight.

Thales is credited with introducing a rational and scientific approach to understanding the world, moving away from mythological explanations. He proposed that water was the fundamental substance (archê) of all matter, suggesting that life and nature could be explained through natural principles rather than the actions of gods. This idea marked a groundbreaking shift in human thought, laying the foundations for philosophy and science.

In addition to his philosophical contributions, Thales made significant advances in mathematics and astronomy. He is said to have introduced geometry to Greece, using logical reasoning to solve practical problems such as measuring the height of pyramids and the distance of ships at sea. Thales is also credited with predicting a solar eclipse, an achievement that demonstrated the potential of scientific observation and calculation.

Thales’ legacy endures as the pioneer who first sought to explain the universe through reason and observation. His curiosity, logic, and scientific spirit paved the way for later philosophers like Anaximander, Pythagoras, and Aristotle, making him one of the true founders of Western intellectual tradition.