About
Philoponus Press is a publisher in the Pacific Northwest specializing in philosophically oriented publications for the general reader. Philosophy is too often arcane and abstruse, and yet the teachings of philosophers—both ancient and modern—can be life changing for those who partake of the feast. There is more useful wisdom in the Stoic teachings of Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, for example, than all of the modern self-help books combined. Moreover, individuals with a philosophical outlook are usually the best practitioners, be they in medicine, politics, literature, law, journalism, the military, architecture, physics, or biology.
Who was Philoponus?
John Philoponus (c. 490-570 AD)—also known as John of Alexandria—was a brilliant Greek philosopher, scientist, and theologian. He was a remarkably original thinker who recognized the flaws in Aristotelian thought a thousand years before the Renaissance. Many of his reflections—such as his ideas on space and time, matter and energy, and the nature of light—were revolutionary for his time. One scholar has called him the greatest natural philosopher before Isaac Newton; another has argued that Philoponus initiated a turning point in the history of thought. In sum, Philoponus was an important ancient thinker whose contributions far exceed his recognition.
Who are the people at top of the page?
Left to right: Marcus Aurelius, Socrates, Epicurus, Pythagoras
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The statue on the left is “Wisdom” (Sophia) and the statue on the right is “Knowledge” (Episteme), both located in the ancient city of Ephesus, now in modern Turkey. In his long poem entitled The Task, 18th century poet William Cowper beautifully captured the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
Knowledge and Wisdom far from being one
Have ofttimes no connexion. Knowledge dwells In heads replete with the thoughts of other men, Wisdom in minds attentive to their own. Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds, Till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. |
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Who was Philoponus?
John Philoponus (c. 490-570 AD)—also known as John of Alexandria—was a brilliant Greek philosopher, scientist, and theologian. He was a remarkably original thinker who recognized the flaws in Aristotelian thought a thousand years before the Renaissance. Many of his reflections—such as his ideas on space and time, matter and energy, and the nature of light—were revolutionary for his time. One scholar has called him the greatest natural philosopher before Isaac Newton; another has argued that Philoponus initiated a turning point in the history of thought. In sum, Philoponus was an important ancient thinker whose contributions far exceed his recognition.
Who are the people at top of the page?
Left to right: Marcus Aurelius, Socrates, Epicurus, Pythagoras
Living a human life is a philosophical
endeavor. Every thought we have, every
decision we make, and every act we perform
is based on philosophical assumptions.
George Lakoff and Mark Johnson
endeavor. Every thought we have, every
decision we make, and every act we perform
is based on philosophical assumptions.
George Lakoff and Mark Johnson
