I have learned to read in Greek with this book. I suppose it's not the best way to learn another alphabetic system. However, I was not able to join Greek classes during my bachelor's degree.

The best part, in my opinion, is the comparison of opposite concepts. I don't remember which philosopher introduced it. It really helps me understand the language and its nuances better.

Although learning Greek through this book has its challenges, it has also been a rewarding experience. I have discovered new words and expressions that I would not have known otherwise.

I hope to continue my study of Greek and improve my skills in the future. Maybe one day I will be able to read and understand Greek texts fluently.

This text was a bit of a challenge to read. However, the preface mentions that it's not really targeted at those with a casual interest. So, I guess my bad.

Actually, it was quite interesting. But it had a fair amount of cosmogony, and I wasn't overly concerned about that. It was hilarious to see how advanced their thinking was in some aspects, while in others it was like "maybe the earth is a cylinder???" and also "he was the first guy to use logic." Like, okay! So funny.

From a historical perspective, it's pretty cool. Definitely not recommended if you have no background in ancient Greece or Rome because it's about half in Greek (with translations, though). But I felt like I was missing out a little.

Rating: 3 stars, I suppose.

It is impossible to face the study of Presocratic philosophy without referring to this manual. It is a classic.

This manual serves as an essential guide for anyone delving into the profound and complex world of Presocratic philosophy.

The Presocratic philosophers were the pioneers who laid the foundation for Western philosophical thought.

With its comprehensive coverage and in-depth analysis, this manual provides valuable insights into their ideas, theories, and contributions.

Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply someone with a keen interest in philosophy, this manual is an indispensable resource.

It offers a clear and accessible introduction to the key concepts and figures of Presocratic philosophy, making it easier to understand and appreciate their significance.

So, if you truly want to explore the rich heritage of Presocratic philosophy, do not hesitate to reach for this classic manual.

Since I'm no expert, I'll just quickly compare this to Philosophy Before Socrates: An Introduction with Texts and Commentary. I read this book parallel to KRS. Apparently, it has recently superseded KRS as the standard sourcebook for the Presocratics, although the latter still enjoys a canonical status in the literature.

What KRS has on McKirahan:

- The original Greek, which can be useful on occasion. For me, it was helpful in identifying particular words here and there.

- Fuller discussion of the history of interpretations, how interpretations are derived from the sources, and the reliability of the sources.

- A long introductory chapter on pre-philosophical cosmogonies and cosmologies.

What McKirahan has on KRS:

- It's more up to date (2011 vs 1983), and this was especially obvious regarding Empedocles.

- Generally, when interpretations differed, I found McKirahan's to be preferable (although again, I'm no expert).

- The book continues into the Sophists and the nomos/phusis debate.

- Extended translations of Hippocratic texts and fragments from the Derveni papyrus.

One of the best books for the study of contemporary philosophy. It is a wonderful work.

This book offers in-depth insights into the complex and diverse field of contemporary philosophy. It explores various philosophical ideas, theories, and perspectives that have emerged in recent times.

The author presents the material in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to both students and enthusiasts of philosophy. The book covers a wide range of topics, including ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of mind.

Whether you are new to the study of philosophy or a seasoned scholar, this book is sure to provide you with valuable knowledge and inspiration. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the current state of philosophy and its implications for our lives.

This book comprehensively covers a wide range of topics.

It commences with Thales and progresses all the way to Diogenes.

The authors make use of the existing fragments to meticulously detail the diverse ideas of the ancients concerning cosmology and metaphysics.

For the most part, they do a highly credible job.

However, there are certain instances where the authors' intrusions exceed what the fragments actually imply, which I found rather annoying at times.

My main grievance, though, lies in the coverage of Pythagoras.

It appears to me that it is as much based on opinions as it is on the fragments.

This is regrettable because the authors cover both Pythagoras and Pythagoreanism.

One would be well-advised to refer to specialized texts for in-depth insights into these areas.

Nonetheless, overall, this is an invaluable book for those who are interested in this exciting era of development.

It offers a wealth of information and serves as a great resource for further exploration.

A classic, one of those that were recommended to you at the Faculty, the equivalent of a #youmust at that time.

And there we were repeatedly told the classic Rubicon of how philosophy was the passage from myth to logos:

The monolith of 2001 in the 5th century BC.

The birth of rational discourse, the emergence of intelligence.

The walking in front of sterile bleating, the light against the darkness, the love for wisdom against mythomania.

So drastic, pure and radical.

Because we... We were philosophers!

The always reductionism.

If we don't explain everything very clearly and without nuances, we won't understand it.

The reinterpretation in the service of understanding. Crude, positivist, southern.

As if myth didn't enlighten Prometheus and didn't dwell peacefully in the four corners of philosophy.

You will also find it in Kirk and Raven, animating the word of the philosophers. Despite what the old-timers say.

This is a too academic work, very pure, by learned authors and eager not to err a comma. And that's because they are authors but very erudite ones.

However, if you like it and all this doesn't weigh on you, the Presocratic Philosophers is a useful book to read and rethink the origin of being, the search for the first or first principles, the possibility or impossibility of movement, the reliability of the senses and the analysis of knowledge; the divinity or not of substance (but without mythologies, eh academics?), cosmology, ethics and the origin of psychology.

From the texts of the classics.

Quite an adventure.

If you are able to not drown among so much word and doxography. Otherwise, may Charon take you to a good port, dear friend, dear friend.

I read this collection for Maxwell's History of Ancient Philosophy course during the second semester of 1980/81 at Loyola University Chicago.

Along with it, I also read a similar collection that was edited and translated by, as I recall, Wainright.

After reading all the Presocratic fragments in several such collections, it has become quite challenging to remember the differences between them.

In any case, on this particular occasion and for this specific course, my main interest lay with Parmenides.

Regarding Parmenides, I was especially intrigued by his Proem, and it was based on this that I composed the required term paper.

The study of these ancient philosophical texts was both fascinating and intellectually stimulating, as it allowed me to explore the early ideas and concepts that have had a profound impact on the development of Western philosophy.

Although it was sometimes difficult to distinguish between the various collections, each one contributed to my overall understanding and appreciation of the Presocratic philosophers and their significance in the history of thought.

I'm reading this book in part to meet a degree requirement.

However, it is the standard repository for pre-socratic exsigua, translation, and commentary.

Even though it is somewhat dated, it still holds great value.

The content within its pages provides a wealth of information about the pre-socratic era.

It allows readers to gain insights into the thoughts and ideas of those who came before.

The translations are accurate and help to make the ancient texts more accessible.

The commentaries offer additional context and analysis, enhancing the understanding of the material.

Despite its age, this book remains an important resource for students and scholars alike.

It serves as a foundation for further study and research in the field of pre-socratic philosophy.

Reading it not only fulfills a degree requirement but also enriches one's knowledge and appreciation of this fascinating period in history.

Interesting. I really wish I knew more Greek. Greek is such a fascinating language with a rich history and culture behind it. It has given birth to so many important words and concepts that are still used in various fields today. Just imagine being able to read the original works of ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, or understanding the inscriptions on ancient Greek monuments. Knowing more Greek would open up a whole new world of knowledge and understanding for me. I could explore the literature, mythology, and philosophy of ancient Greece in their original form. It would be like having a direct connection to the past. Maybe one day, I will have the opportunity to study Greek more seriously and expand my knowledge of this wonderful language.

This is a very good introduction and consideration of the Presocratic philosophers.

However, the biggest problem with it is that the editors do not include all the fragments.

They also number them in their own idiosyncratic fashion instead of following the Diels Kranz numberings which are standard.

This can cause confusion for readers who are familiar with the Diels Kranz system and are trying to cross-reference with other works.

It would be beneficial if the editors could either include all the fragments or clearly indicate which ones are missing.

They should also consider using the Diels Kranz numberings to make it easier for readers to access and compare the different fragments.

Overall, despite this problem, the introduction and consideration of the Presocratic philosophers is still valuable and provides interesting insights into their thought.

This is a classic reference book about the pre-Socratic philosophers. It is now in a new edition.

Time passes, but it doesn't become outdated.

This book has withstood the test of time and remains relevant and valuable.

The pre-Socratic philosophers were some of the earliest thinkers in Western philosophy, and their ideas and theories have had a profound impact on the development of philosophy ever since.

The new edition of this book likely includes updated research and interpretations, making it an even more essential resource for anyone interested in the history of philosophy.

Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply someone with an interest in philosophy, this classic reference book is sure to provide you with valuable insights and knowledge.