Watch Presocratics and the Birth of Philosophy - Emanuele Severino

Presocratics and the Birth of Philosophy - Emanuele Severino is a documentary that explores the early beginnings of philosophy in ancient Greece, especially focusing on the work of the Presocratic philosophers. The film is presented by Emanuele Severino, an Italian philosopher and scholar, who introduces the audience to the main ideas and figures of the Presocratic period. The documentary is structured as a journey through time and space, as Severino travels to the different locations where these philosophers lived and worked, including Miletus, Ephesus, and Elea.

One of the main themes of the film is the idea that the Presocratics were trying to find a fundamental principle of the universe, a primary substance or element that could explain everything else. This quest for a first principle ultimately led to the development of metaphysics, the study of being and existence.

Severino illustrates this concept by examining the ideas of Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, who all believed that the universe was made up of a particular substance. Thales believed that everything was made of water, while Anaximander thought that it was composed of an infinite substance called the apeiron. Anaximenes, on the other hand, believed that air was the primary element.

The documentary also explores the ideas of Parmenides, Zeno, and Heraclitus, who were concerned with the nature of reality and the problem of change. Parmenides argued that all things were actually one, unchanging entity, while Zeno famously formulated his paradoxes to show that motion was an illusion. Heraclitus, on the other hand, believed that everything was in a constant state of flux and that change was the only constant.

In addition, the film also sheds light on the work of Pythagoras, who believed that the entire universe was based on mathematical principles, and Empedocles, who introduced the idea of the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water - that comprise everything.

Throughout the documentary, Severino also examines the historical and cultural context in which these philosophers lived, highlighting the links between philosophy, science, and mythology. He explains, for example, how the Presocratics were influenced by the mythological stories of the Greeks, such as the legend of Prometheus, and how their ideas eventually led to the development of scientific thinking.

Moreover, the film features beautiful cinematography that captures the awe-inspiring landscapes of Greece, bringing the historical sites to life. The aerial shots of the temples and ruins are especially breathtaking, emphasizing the importance of these locations in ancient Greek culture and philosophy.

Overall, Presocratics and the Birth of Philosophy - Emanuele Severino is an intellectually stimulating and visually stunning documentary that offers a comprehensive overview of the early history of philosophy. It is a must-see for anyone interested in philosophy, ancient Greece, or the origins of Western thought.

Presocratics and the Birth of Philosophy - Emanuele Severino is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.