History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China HAP 03 - Fertile Ground - Philosophy in Ancient Mesopotamia
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Apr 29, 2018 Uncover the philosophical gems of ancient Mesopotamia, where cuneiform writings reveal a rich intellectual tradition. Explore how Babylonian dialogues delve into existential questions, divine justice, and human suffering. Discover striking parallels with the Book of Job, highlighting themes like the quest for wisdom and the evolution of civilization. This journey sets the stage for further exploration of ideas in ancient Egyptian thought. Philosophy isn't just Greek; it has deep roots in the fertile soils of ancient cultures.
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Filling the Gap
- Listeners corrected the podcast for starting with the Pre-Socratics and overlooking earlier civilizations.
- This episode addresses that gap by exploring philosophy in ancient Mesopotamia.
Babylonian Philosophy
- Mark van de Mieroop argues for a Babylonian philosophical system predating the Greeks.
- He examines various cuneiform texts, including word lists, omens, and laws, as evidence.
Word Lists and Wisdom
- Babylonian scribes created extensive word lists, not just for practical use, but as part of an encyclopedic project.
- These lists aimed to preserve Sumerian wisdom and even included invented words.