Abstract

Anyone who attempts to reconstruct the core of Anaxagoras's philosophy must seek to determine which substances function as elements in his physical theory, his view concerning the differentiation of material things, and his views concerning the various changes to which they are subject. Unfortunately, Anaxagoras did not expend a great deal of effort in revealing the precise nature of the substances which he regarded as elements. As a result, Anaxagoras's views on differentiation and change are obscured and the first task in reconstructing these views must consist of determining which substances he regarded as elements. In attempting to determine which substances are Anaxagorean elements, modern commentators have appealed to evidence drawn from a wide variety of sources: detailed analyses of the fragments, other fifth century writings, Aristotle, the ancient doxographers, and the necessity of construing Anaxagoras's elements in a certain way in order for his physical theory to avoid logical difficulties or other embarrassing consequences. The principal positions which have been defended are the following: only the opposites are elements, both the opposites and natural substances are elements, and only natural substances are elements. The first three chapters of this dissertation are primarily concerned with sources -. The conception of the opposites as corporeal ingredients, often attributed to the Pre-Socratics in general and to Anaxagoras in particular, is neither exhibited by the extant fragments nor found in major Pre-Socratic texts. Furthermore, it is not attributed to Anaxagoras by either Aristotle or the doxographers for whom only natural substances are Anaxagorean elements. The remaining three chapters contain a discussion of modern attempts to base interpretations of Anaxagoras's physical theory upon philosophical considerations. In these chapters it is argued that none of the appeals to which have been advanced by the defenders of or are compelling enough to warrant a rejection of , the view most strongly supported by the fragments and other ancient sources. In addition, serves as the basis for a detailed reconstruction of Anaxagoras's views concerning the differentiation and change of material things