# Anaxagoras > 5th-century BC Greek philosopher **Wikidata**: [Q83041](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q83041) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaxagoras) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/anaxagoras ## Summary Anaxagoras was born in 500 BC in Klazomenai [1]. He worked as a mathematician, philosopher, physicist, astronomer, and writer [2][1][3]. Anaxagoras' work spanned multiple fields, including astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy . He died in 428 BC in Lampsacus [1]. ## Summary Anaxagoras was a 5th-century BCE Greek philosopher known for his contributions to early Greek philosophy, particularly in the fields of mathematics, physics, and astronomy. He is notable for his theories on the nature of the universe and his development of the concept of the "mind of the universe," which influenced later philosophical thought. ## Biography - Born: c. 428 BCE in Clazomenae, Ionia - Nationality: Athenian - Education: Trained in philosophy under Pre-Socratic thinkers - Known for: Developing the concept of the "mind of the universe" and contributing to early Greek philosophy - Employer(s): None (independent philosopher) - Field(s): Philosophy, mathematics, physics, astronomy ## Contributions Anaxagoras did not write any known works, but his teachings were recorded by his students. His contributions include: - **Concept of the "Mind of the Universe"**: Anaxagoras proposed that the universe was governed by a rational, intelligent principle, which he called the "mind of the universe." This concept influenced later philosophical thought and laid the groundwork for the idea of a universal mind or divine reason. - **Theories on the Nature of the Universe**: Anaxagoras developed theories on the nature of the universe, including the idea that the universe was infinite and that the stars were made of the same material as the sun. - **Contributions to Astronomy**: Anaxagoras made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, including the development of theories on the nature of the sun, moon, and stars. He proposed that the sun was a fiery stone and that the moon was a polished stone that reflected the sun's light. ## FAQs ### What is the significance of Anaxagoras' concept of the "mind of the universe"? Anaxagoras' concept of the "mind of the universe" proposed that the universe was governed by a rational, intelligent principle, which he called the "mind of the universe." This concept influenced later philosophical thought and laid the groundwork for the idea of a universal mind or divine reason. ### What are Anaxagoras' contributions to astronomy? Anaxagoras made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, including the development of theories on the nature of the sun, moon, and stars. He proposed that the sun was a fiery stone and that the moon was a polished stone that reflected the sun's light. ### How did Anaxagoras' theories on the nature of the universe influence later philosophical thought? Anaxagoras' theories on the nature of the universe, including the idea that the universe was infinite and that the stars were made of the same material as the sun, influenced later philosophical thought and laid the groundwork for the idea of a universal mind or divine reason. ## Why They Matter Anaxagoras' contributions to early Greek philosophy, particularly his concept of the "mind of the universe," had a significant impact on later philosophical thought. His theories on the nature of the universe and his contributions to astronomy laid the groundwork for the development of modern science. Anaxagoras' ideas influenced later philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle, and his concept of a universal mind or divine reason continues to be a subject of study in philosophy and theology. ## Notable For - Developing the concept of the "mind of the universe," which influenced later philosophical thought - Contributing to early Greek philosophy and astronomy - Proposing theories on the nature of the sun, moon, and stars - Laying the groundwork for the idea of a universal mind or divine reason ## Body ### Early Life and Education Anaxagoras was born around 428 BCE in Clazomenae, Ionia. He received his education under Pre-Socratic thinkers, who were influential philosophers of the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. Anaxagoras' early philosophical training laid the foundation for his later work. ### Philosophical Contributions Anaxagoras' philosophical contributions include: - **Concept of the "Mind of the Universe"**: Anaxagoras proposed that the universe was governed by a rational, intelligent principle, which he called the "mind of the universe." This concept influenced later philosophical thought and laid the groundwork for the idea of a universal mind or divine reason. - **Theories on the Nature of the Universe**: Anaxagoras developed theories on the nature of the universe, including the idea that the universe was infinite and that the stars were made of the same material as the sun. - **Contributions to Astronomy**: Anaxagoras made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, including the development of theories on the nature of the sun, moon, and stars. He proposed that the sun was a fiery stone and that the moon was a polished stone that reflected the sun's light. ### Influence on Later Philosophers Anaxagoras' ideas influenced later philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle. His concept of the "mind of the universe" laid the groundwork for the idea of a universal mind or divine reason, which continues to be a subject of study in philosophy and theology. Anaxagoras' contributions to astronomy also influenced later scientific thought and the development of modern science. ### Legacy and Influence Anaxagoras' contributions to early Greek philosophy and astronomy have had a profound and lasting impact on Western thought. His concept of the "mind of the universe" and his theories on the nature of the universe and the sun, moon, and stars laid the groundwork for the development of modern science and influenced later philosophical thought. Anaxagoras' ideas continue to be a subject of study in philosophy, astronomy, and theology. ## References 1. Nouveau Dictionnaire des auteurs de tous les temps et de tous les pays 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. datos.bne.es 4. [Source](http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Mathematicians/Anaxagoras.html) 5. Library of the World's Best Literature 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. Open Library 8. CiNii Research 9. Lingua Libre 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. Q45270574 12. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index1.html) 13. CONOR.SI 14. Autoritats UB 15. LIBRIS. 2012