Os Pré-Socráticos

The song 'Os Pré-Socráticos' by Projeto Dom Quixote takes listeners on an enlightening journey back to ancient Greece, specifically the 6th century BCE, where the seeds of Western philosophy were first sown. The lyrics pay homage to the early thinkers from the city of Miletus, such as Thales, who began to question the mythological explanations of the world provided by poets like Homer. This marked the birth of philosophy, where rational thought, or 'Logos,' began to replace mythological narratives.

The song highlights the transition from mythos to logos, emphasizing how these early philosophers sought to understand the fundamental principles of the universe, known as the 'arché.' Figures like Anaximander, Anaximenes, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides, and Democritus are mentioned, each contributing to the development of pre-Socratic cosmology. Their quest was to find the underlying substance or principle that constitutes reality, moving away from fantastical explanations to more rational, nature-based inquiries.

Through its catchy melody and repetitive chorus, the song encourages listeners to 'open their eyes' and perceive the world through the lens of reason and historical understanding. It celebrates the shift from mythical to rational thinking, which laid the groundwork for modern science and philosophy. The repeated question, 'What is the principle of everything?' invites reflection on the origins of existence and the nature of reality, echoing the timeless quest of these early philosophers.

The song serves as both an educational piece and a tribute to the intellectual bravery of the pre-Socratic thinkers, who dared to challenge established norms and seek truth through reason and observation. It underscores the importance of questioning and exploring the world around us, a legacy that continues to inspire philosophical inquiry today.