Anthology of world philosophy. The Ancient East

An Anthology of World Philosophy, published in 1969year, consisting of 4 volumes, includes selected works of thinkers who influenced the development of world philosophy from ancient times to the present day.

"Anthology" provides an opportunity for everyone to get acquainted with the masterpieces of thinkers and understand the vast literary heritage.

Thanks to a successful selection of texts, "Anthologyworld philosophy "gives a complete picture of the various teachings. The convenience of this collection lies in the fact that the most important thoughts of the classics of philosophy are given in a rather small volume, therefore readers can get a representation about this or that author or direction in a short time.

The first volume of "Anthology" is dedicated to the monuments of ancient times and the Middle Ages. Let us consider in more detail the characteristics of the philosophical thought of the Ancient East.

It is believed that philosophy was born at a time when the first states replaced the primitive communal system.

We can say that the first philosophical traditionsare formed in ancient India. The first monuments date back to the beginning of the second millennium BC. Approximately at the same time, the development of philosophy in ancient China and Egypt. As for the latter, here we are talking only about the disparate echoes of some knowledge that are not integral.

The philosophy of ancient India was influenced by the caste structure of society.

It is also important to note that pre-philosophical knowledgeThe ancient world was of a mythological nature. Thus, in India, the first source of such views is the Vedas. These are collections of texts, including fragments of ancient myths, as well as spells intended for brahmanas (priests).

The Vedas consist of four parts: Atharva Veda - spells, Yajurveda - sacrificial formulas, Samaveda - hymns, Rigveda - hymns.

Near the end of the second millennium BCthere are "Upanishads" - philosophical texts in which the search for true knowledge is reflected. Here the main directions of Indian philosophy are formed - rebirth, karma and unity of the Atman (World Soul) and Brahman. The world soul is an ode to every person. In the Upanishads, the main goal of human life is formulated, which consists in the liberation of the Atman from outer covers.

From the 6th century BC there comes a timeclassical philosophical systems, which are subdivided by modern scientists into orthodox teachings based on the Vedas, and unorthodox, denying understanding of such as the primary source of knowledge.

The "Anthology of World Philosophy" examines the Vedasand the Upanishads as sources of ancient knowledge. Here is a modern (mostly materialistic) view of ancient philosophy. For example, it is noted that the philosophers of antiquity in very little degree identified their work with scientific thought. This relationship appears only in ancient Greece.

At a later stage in the development of philosophical thought in India, it is linked with mathematics, the development of which has reached a high level here, and even surpassed the achievements of ancient Greece.

"Anthology of world philosophy" (1 volume)also considers the philosophical traditions of Ancient China, which can be divided into several periods. First of all, it is protophilosophical, during which such monuments as the Book of History, the Book of Changes, and the Book of Songs were created. The ancient philosophers of China later drew inspiration from these sources.

The second period is called natural philosophy, when the idea that defines Chinese philosophy is formulated is the doctrine of yin and yang (the feminine and masculine principle, their unity in the life force cycle).

The third period is the "Golden Age of Chinese Philosophy", the formation of most schools, which include Taoism, Confucianism, Moism and others.

The fourth period was marked by a severe crisis. At this time, China's spiritual life suffered from state control. Many sources were destroyed, philosophers were executed.

And, finally, the fifth period is characterized by the synthesis of the most important teachings and the emergence of neo-Confucianism.

In the first volume of "Anthology" there are also monuments of philosophy of Ancient Greece and the Middle Ages.

Despite the fact that the "Anthology of World Philosophy"was published in 1969, it does not lose its relevance to this day, since the works presented here are truly immortal and will be in demand at any time.