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[Phys-L] Re: Empedocles



Take a look as well at the concept of matter. These are categories
that don't really match cleanly with the way we thing today. In the
early 60's there was an important conference on the Concept of Matter
from the presocraties to the 20th century. There is a book edited by
Ernan McMullen. It will be dense, but it might help.

joe
On Jun 14, 2005, at 11:17 PM, Jim Green wrote:

I have read much of what I have found on the web re the beginnings of
physics. It looks as if it boils down to Empedocles as the instigator
--
with his earth, water, fire, and air scheme. But reading these
philosophy
authors gives me indigestion -- it is like reading fog -- just too many
words without any substance.

Maybe someone here can translate:

What is "earth"? The stuff out in my garden?

What is "water"? The stuff in the creek?

What is "air"? It is hard to fathom this, but it would appear that he
didn't even know there was the stuff of wind.

And of course "fire" -- What was in his mind? Certainly not a Boy
Scout
camp ground.

Maybe if we were to analyze the Greek words. Anyone speak ancient
Greek?

Jim



Jim Green
mailto:JMGreen@sisna.com
http://users.sisna.com/jmgreen

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