Diagoras Melos Ancient Greek poet and sophist. Date of Birth: .

1. Diagoras of Melos: Ancient Greek Poet and Sophist
2. Skepticism and Atheism
3. Advocacy for Atheism
4. Origins and Influences
5. Opposition to Greek Theology

Diagoras of Melos: Ancient Greek Poet and Sophist

Diagoras of Melos, also known as Diagoras the Atheist, was an ancient Greek poet and sophist who lived in the 5th century BC. His views aligned with philosophers like Socrates, who questioned the traditional worship of gods.

Skepticism and Atheism

Cicero, a Roman orator, recorded an anecdote about Diagoras' friend who tried to convince him of the existence of gods by pointing to images of people who had been saved from storms after making vows to the gods. However, Diagoras countered that there were no images of those who had perished in shipwrecks. Other accounts also attest to his atheistic beliefs.

Advocacy for Atheism

Diagoras fearlessly promoted his atheistic views, earning him the epithet "atheist" in ancient times. He likely denied divine intervention in the world, the existence of anthropomorphic gods, and their ability to interact with humans.

Origins and Influences

Diagoras' stance against popular religion and theology stemmed from natural philosophy and other philosophical currents of the time. Pre-Socratic philosophers sought rational explanations for natural phenomena through laws of nature, rather than divine agency. Amidst growing skepticism of traditional beliefs, especially among the youth, Diagoras emerged as a vocal proponent of the complete absence of gods.

Opposition to Greek Theology

Diagoras vehemently opposed the dogmas of Greek theology, mythology, and the prevailing forms of worship. His skepticism extended to the idea of divine providence and the moral attributes of the gods. His views made him a controversial figure in ancient Athens, and he was eventually exiled for impiety.