Alcmaeon

Alcmaeon

Early Greek Philosophy
Jonathon Barnes
2001

-Alcmaeon came from Croton in South Italy, a city renowned for its doctors
-was a pupil of Pythagoras
-he was the first of the philosopher/physicians that became a trend in ancient Greece

-believed that the soul was immortal
-believed that most human things come in pairs
-believed that health came from the proper balance of the powers in nature. When there is too much of one thing, disease is born (too much heat causes stroke, too much cold causes coughing, etc.) "Health is the propionate blending of the qualities" (Barnes, 37)

-believed the soul to be immortal because it was like the divinities who are always in motion
-while he believed that the soul was immortal, he believed that men die

-differentiated men from animals by stating men alone understand, animals perceive but do not understand
-differentiates thinking and perceiving

Clement of Alexandria states that "Alcmaeon of Croton says that it is easier to be on your guard against an enemy than against a friend" (Barnes, 39).