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How did Greek scientists change the way people viewed and understood the natural world around them? How did common Greeks explain natural events prior to scientific explanations?

I did, and I didn't understand it.

I read my textbook from school. It just said the history, but I had trouble understanding things. Yes, I did google the question to see if anyone one else had gotten an answer.

To understand how Greek scientists changed people's view of the natural world, it's important to first grasp the prevailing beliefs and explanations that existed prior to the development of scientific thinking.

Before the rise of scientific explanations, common Greeks often attributed natural events to the actions of gods, goddesses, or mythical beings. These explanations were rooted in religious or mythological beliefs rather than empirical evidence. For example, they might attribute thunder and lightning to Zeus, god of thunder. Similarly, they believed that storms at sea were the result of Poseidon's wrath.

Greek scientists, also known as philosophers, approached the study of the natural world with a more rational and empirical mindset. They based their understandings on observations, reasoning, and logical deductions. Some key Greek thinkers who significantly influenced the shift in people's perception include:

1. Thales of Miletus: Considered one of the first philosophers, Thales believed that water was the fundamental substance from which all things derived. He sought to explain natural phenomena through naturalistic principles, rather than supernatural intervention.

2. Pythagoras: Famous for his mathematical discoveries, Pythagoras felt that the natural world could be understood through numerical relationships. He believed that everything in the universe could be explained through mathematics, including celestial bodies.

3. Aristotle: One of the most influential Greek philosophers, Aristotle extensively studied the natural world. He classified and described numerous plants, animals, and natural phenomena. Aristotle emphasized the importance of observation and empirical data in understanding nature.

The contributions of Greek scientists went beyond mere speculation or mythological explanations. They sought to provide naturalistic answers based on logical reasoning and observation, setting the foundation for the scientific method. This methodology would eventually change how people perceived and understood the natural world.

In summary, Greek scientists challenged and changed prevailing religious and mythological explanations by introducing a rational and empirical approach to understanding the natural world. Through observation, logical reasoning, and empirical evidence, they laid the groundwork for a more scientific and evidence-based understanding of nature.

Read and study about Greek mythology. Then read and study about Aristotle.

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