Part I of II
Before the Pre-Socratics – Q1: Why is the individual important?
Before the Ancient Greeks, two great Empires existed in close proximity to the
These two Empires, though they differed outwardly in many respects, had much in common with each other.
Both the Egyptian and Babylonian Empires were the first two examples of urban civilization, each of which supported large populations.
Despite their size there was little or no diversity of outlook or opinion.
It was the kings and priests – possessors of magical powers – who ruled their people.
These civilizations, with their theocratic and monarchical institutions, had little tolerance for diverse viewpoints.
As a consequence, there was little scientific or technological progress or innovation other than that employed to support the prevailing belief systems.
djs: Diversity of viewpoint existed before the ancient Greeks.
Diversity of viewpoints existed through the acknowledged forms of heads of state: the kings and priests.
It took many millennium for the concept of diverse viewpoints existing through individuals as opposed to the state.
In essence it took many millennia for the concept of multiplicity/individuality/diversity to rise to the level of superceding the concept of the state being more important than the individual.
The argument regarding the concept of multiplicity versus singularity was fully addressed in Tractate 11: The Error of Philosophy. (www.panentheism.com – library)
But what does the issue have to do with a new metaphysical perception?
The new metaphysical perception being presented in this work, suggests...
To be continued: Part II of II