Peace as the Fundamental Principle of Existence in Heraclitus and Empedocles

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine what peace, which is seen as the fundamental principle of the change and formation of existence in Heraclitus and Empedocles, means and represents ontologically. Peace is not only a legal concept, but also a philosophical, psychological, sociological and historical concept. In fact, the meanings of the concept of peace such as salvation from evil, conflict and war, being in harmony, unity, integrity, tranquility, silence and living in peace confirm this. Discussions on the concept of peace in philosophy extend from Ancient Greek philosophy to Heraclitus and Empedocles. The concept of peace represents unity and harmony in Heraclitus, one of the philosophers of formation and change, and love and harmony in Empedocles. Heraclitus accepted that every being is always in a state of change and formation, and that everything, including emotions and character, consists of opposites. However, peace and harmony, not disharmony, emerge from these conflicts and opposites. It is Logos that governs peace due to the change and formation in the universe. In Empedocles’ ontology, what creates formation and change in existence and nature is love and hate. Love symbolizes peace, that is, harmony, because of its formation, while hate symbolizes destruction, that is, conflict. The ultimate sovereign in existence and nature is love. Empedocles also explained not only the change and formation in the universe, but also emotions and character with love. Thus, in both Heraclitus and Empedocles, peace is the opposite of conflict and war, and is a constructive and constructive basic principle that plays a role in the change and formation of existence and nature.