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EpicharmusAncient Greek philosopher
Date of Birth: 01.01.0550
Country:  Greece |
Content:
- Epicharmus: Ancient Greek Philosopher and Playwright
- Philosophical Beliefs
- Contributions to Comedy
- Argument of the Growing Man
- Influence on Plato and Aristotle
- Lost Works and Legacy
Epicharmus: Ancient Greek Philosopher and Playwright
Early Life and EducationThe exact birthplace of Epicharmus is unknown, but theories suggest Syracuse or Megara Hyblaea in Sicily. According to Diogenes Laertius, Epicharmus hailed from the island of Cos, the son of a physician named Elophalus. In his early childhood, he moved to Megara in Sicily and later to Syracuse.
Philosophical Beliefs
Epicharmus was a follower of Pythagoras but never joined the Pythagorean society. In Syracuse, he feared the tyranny of Hiero and discreetly disseminated Pythagorean philosophy through comedic verses. Epicharmus taught the eternal nature of things, their inherent self-similarity, and the connection between human knowledge and the eternal through the understanding of archetypes.
Contributions to Comedy
Epicharmus is widely recognized as a pioneer of comedy, which originated from mimes. His earliest play was staged around 486 BC. He introduced the genre to Sicily and exerted a significant influence on its development.
Argument of the Growing Man
Epicharmus famously argued that a person undergoing growth is not a single entity but multiple individuals existing simultaneously due to the constant changes over time. This idea paralleled the teachings of Heraclitus, who emphasized perpetual flux and the impossibility of entering the same river twice.
Influence on Plato and Aristotle
Epicharmus's philosophical and literary insights were highly admired by Plato and Aristotle. Plato considered him equivalent to Homer in significance. Some scholars believe that Plato borrowed heavily from Epicharmus's writings.
Lost Works and Legacy
Out of Epicharmus's numerous works, only their titles and brief fragments remain, scattered throughout the works of ancient authors. Despite the scarcity of source material, his gnomic sayings gained widespread popularity and were often cited by later philosophers.
