Anaximenes was a Pre-Socratic philosopher who claimed air was the First Cause of existence.

What is Anaximenes famous for?

Anaximenes is famous for his claim that air was the essential world principle from which all else came. His views are still cited by modern-day scientists.

What was Anaximenes' relationship with Thales and Anaximander?

Anaximenes is the third philosopher of the Milesian School which began with Thales of Miletus. Anaximander was a student of Thales and Anaximenes studies under Anaximander.

Why is Anaximenes important?

Anaximenes is important because his theories influenced the later Pre-Socratic philosophers in developing their theories and these men then influenced Plato who developed the first systematic basis of Western Philosophy in written form.

Anaximenes Timeline

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Definition

Anaximenes of Miletus (l. c. 546 BCE) was a younger contemporary of Anaximander and generally regarded as his student. Known as the Third Philosopher of the Milesian School after Thales (l. c. 585 BCE) and Anaximander (l. c. 610 - c. 546 BCE), Anaximenes proposed air as the First Cause from which all else comes.

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