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The wandering womb: how ancient Greek philosophers viewed women's bodies

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Reddit unfortunately messes up the format but completely free read if you're interested in the history of science

[https://medium.com/@mindhub2024/1-a-journey-through-the-foundations-of-science-the-science-of-the-ancient-middle-east-a17fb55eb725](https://medium.com/@mindhub2024/1-a-journey-through-the-foundations-of-science-the-science-of-the-ancient-middle-east-a17fb55eb725)

<div class="md"><p>Reddit unfortunately messes up the format but completely free read if you&#39;re interested in the history of science</p>

<p><a href="https://medium.com/@mindhub2024/1-a-journey-through-the-foundations-of-science-the-science-of-the-ancient-middle-east-a17fb55eb725">https://medium.com/@mindhub2024/1-a-journey-through-the-foundations-of-science-the-science-of-the-ancient-middle-east-a17fb55eb725</a></p>
</div>

#1 - A Journey Through the Foundations of Science: The Science of the Ancient Middle East: Mesopotamia and Egypt

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According to some, written history began in the 14th century. It may seem ridiculous, but the Phantom Time conspiracy theory has serious implications.

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Alexandre Kojève: Bildung in a Revolutionary Cell

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From Punch Cards to Python (Grace Hopper’s A-0 compiler paved the way for modern programming languages)

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[Oswald Spengler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oswald_Spengler) (1880–1936) was a German philosopher and polymath who proposed that civilizations follow an organic life cycle, progressing through stages of birth, growth, maturity, and eventual decline. He likens cultures to living organisms, each possessing a distinct "soul" and following a unique historical trajectory. Spengler challenges the Western notion of linear, progressive history, advocating instead for a cyclical view. He argues that each culture develops independently, with its own inner logic, and cannot be fully understood using universal models.

A central concept in Spengler’s work is the "Faustian" soul, which he identifies as the essence of Western culture. This spirit is defined by an insatiable quest for infinity, exploration, and scientific mastery. Spengler critiques the Western-centric perspective of history, asserting that non-Western cultures — such as Egyptian, Indian, Chinese, and Classical (Greek-Roman) — are equally significant. He emphasizes that each follows its own trajectory, independent of Western influences.

Spengler distinguishes between "Culture" and "Civilization." Culture represents the vibrant, creative phase of a society, while Civilization marks its declining phase, characterized by materialism and a focus on power. He argues that the West has transitioned into the civilizational phase, signaling the onset of its decline.

Spengler’s aim is to provide a comparative analysis of world cultures and their life cycles, arguing that by understanding these patterns, we can predict the future of Western civilization. He emphasizes that decline is not a catastrophe but a natural process inherent to all cultures. This introduction serves as a provocative entry point, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about history, progress, and the fate of civilizations.

https://preview.redd.it/7pbui5lo91fe1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78d77f65774af6a8adfef2f8891f9c33fa42b2a1

This is an online meeting hosted by Yorgo on **Tuesday January 28** (EST) to discuss Chapter 1 "Introduction" from Oswald Spengler's book *Decline of the West, Volume 1: Form and Actuality* (1918).

To join the discussion, RSVP in advance on the main event page[ here (link)](https://www.meetup.com/the-toronto-philosophy-meetup/events/305712982/); the video conferencing link will be available to registrants.

For the meeting, please read in advance Chapter 1 "Introduction" (about 50 pages). People who have not read the text are welcome to join and participate, but priority in the discussion will be given to people who have done the reading.

You can find a pdf of the assigned reading on the sign-up page.

All are welcome!

**Disclaimer:** 

These discussions take place purely for historical, educational, and analytical purposes. By analyzing movies and texts our objective is to understand; we do not necessarily endorse or support any of the ideologies or messages conveyed in them.

\++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

**About the Author:**

Oswald Spengler (1880–1936) was a German historian, philosopher, and cultural theorist best known for his seminal work, The Decline of the West (Der Untergang des Abendlandes), published in two volumes (in 1918 and 1922). In this work, Spengler introduced a cyclical theory of civilizations, proposing that cultures evolve through a natural lifecycle of birth, growth, maturity, and decline, akin to living organisms. He argued that Western civilization had entered its final phase of decline.

Spengler's ideas were influential yet controversial, blending history, philosophy, and cultural analysis into a grand historical narrative. While his deterministic views of cultural cycles sparked debate, they resonated in the interwar period's atmosphere of uncertainty. Spengler also critiqued modernity and technological progress, advocating for a return to strong leadership and traditional values.

His later works, such as *Man and Technics: Contributions to a Philosophy of Life* (1931), further explored these themes. Spengler is regarded as a German nationalist and a critic of republicanism, and he was a prominent member of the Weimar-era [Conservative Revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservative_Revolution).





<div class="md"><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oswald_Spengler">Oswald Spengler</a> (1880–1936) was a German philosopher and polymath who proposed that civilizations follow an organic life cycle, progressing through stages of birth, growth, maturity, and eventual decline. He likens cultures to living organisms, each possessing a distinct &quot;soul&quot; and following a unique historical trajectory. Spengler challenges the Western notion of linear, progressive history, advocating instead for a cyclical view. He argues that each culture develops independently, with its own inner logic, and cannot be fully understood using universal models.</p>

<p>A central concept in Spengler’s work is the &quot;Faustian&quot; soul, which he identifies as the essence of Western culture. This spirit is defined by an insatiable quest for infinity, exploration, and scientific mastery. Spengler critiques the Western-centric perspective of history, asserting that non-Western cultures — such as Egyptian, Indian, Chinese, and Classical (Greek-Roman) — are equally significant. He emphasizes that each follows its own trajectory, independent of Western influences.</p>

<p>Spengler distinguishes between &quot;Culture&quot; and &quot;Civilization.&quot; Culture represents the vibrant, creative phase of a society, while Civilization marks its declining phase, characterized by materialism and a focus on power. He argues that the West has transitioned into the civilizational phase, signaling the onset of its decline.</p>

<p>Spengler’s aim is to provide a comparative analysis of world cultures and their life cycles, arguing that by understanding these patterns, we can predict the future of Western civilization. He emphasizes that decline is not a catastrophe but a natural process inherent to all cultures. This introduction serves as a provocative entry point, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about history, progress, and the fate of civilizations.</p>

<p><a href="https://preview.redd.it/7pbui5lo91fe1.jpg?width=1280&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp&amp;s=78d77f65774af6a8adfef2f8891f9c33fa42b2a1">https://preview.redd.it/7pbui5lo91fe1.jpg?width=1280&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp&amp;s=78d77f65774af6a8adfef2f8891f9c33fa42b2a1</a></p>

<p>This is an online meeting hosted by Yorgo on <strong>Tuesday January 28</strong> (EST) to discuss Chapter 1 &quot;Introduction&quot; from Oswald Spengler&#39;s book <em>Decline of the West, Volume 1: Form and Actuality</em> (1918).</p>

<p>To join the discussion, RSVP in advance on the main event page<a href="https://www.meetup.com/the-toronto-philosophy-meetup/events/305712982/"> here (link)</a>; the video conferencing link will be available to registrants.</p>

<p>For the meeting, please read in advance Chapter 1 &quot;Introduction&quot; (about 50 pages). People who have not read the text are welcome to join and participate, but priority in the discussion will be given to people who have done the reading.</p>

<p>You can find a pdf of the assigned reading on the sign-up page.</p>

<p>All are welcome!</p>

<p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> </p>

<p>These discussions take place purely for historical, educational, and analytical purposes. By analyzing movies and texts our objective is to understand; we do not necessarily endorse or support any of the ideologies or messages conveyed in them.</p>

<p>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</p>

<p><strong>About the Author:</strong></p>

<p>Oswald Spengler (1880–1936) was a German historian, philosopher, and cultural theorist best known for his seminal work, The Decline of the West (Der Untergang des Abendlandes), published in two volumes (in 1918 and 1922). In this work, Spengler introduced a cyclical theory of civilizations, proposing that cultures evolve through a natural lifecycle of birth, growth, maturity, and decline, akin to living organisms. He argued that Western civilization had entered its final phase of decline.</p>

<p>Spengler&#39;s ideas were influential yet controversial, blending history, philosophy, and cultural analysis into a grand historical narrative. While his deterministic views of cultural cycles sparked debate, they resonated in the interwar period&#39;s atmosphere of uncertainty. Spengler also critiqued modernity and technological progress, advocating for a return to strong leadership and traditional values.</p>

<p>His later works, such as <em>Man and Technics: Contributions to a Philosophy of Life</em> (1931), further explored these themes. Spengler is regarded as a German nationalist and a critic of republicanism, and he was a prominent member of the Weimar-era <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservative_Revolution">Conservative Revolution</a>.</p>
</div>

Oswald Spengler on The Destiny of World History (“Decline of the West”) — An online philosophy group discussion on Tuesday January 28 (EST)

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“The Decline of the West” (1918): Oswald Spengler on the Destiny of World History — An online reading group discussion on January 28/29, open to all

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Ancient philosophers, such as Ptolemy, believed that the planets could affect the course of your life by means of rays that they emanate. Let's talk about why they believed that astrology was a science just as much as astronomy.

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Iqland: history of intelligence testing

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Consciousness in Neorealism: Perry, Montague, and Holt

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J. G. A. Pocock: A Life in Letters

In the ancient world, thinkers generally avoided human dissection -- but for a brief moment in the early Hellenistic period, two people performed human dissection -- and even cut open living human beings for study.

Your Favourite Passages from Confucius’ Analects ( 論語 ) — An open online discussion on Sunday January 26 (EST), all are welcome

Capital as Autonomous Will

The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: A study of early Christian belief — An online reading group starting Monday January 20, weekly meetings open to all

How Galileo used the telescope to refute Aristotle and Ptolemy (and got himself into trouble with the Pope at the same time).

How many planets are there? As with the discovery of Uranus, the answer depends on who you ask.

How much food a village with 1000 people from 3000 BC can produce ?

The Culmination: Heidegger, German Idealism, and the Fate of Philosophy (2024) by Robert B. Pippin — An online reading group starting Monday January 20, meetings every 2 weeks open to all

Once we understand that ancient Greek philosophers believed that souls are nothing more than sources of life, it becomes much easier to say why Plato thought that the whole world was alive and had a soul

Historical Revisionism in Film: Das Boot (1981) by Wolfgang Petersen (Friday, January 17, 2025, 9 pm EST)

The Levelling Tendency | The Libertarian Ideal

Plato's Meno segment 70a-80d - a reading and discussion

Plato's Laws — A live reading and discussion group starting in January 2025, meetings every Saturday open to all

What Adorno Can Still Teach Us

Ancient Greek philosophers avoided human dissection and had to reason about the body without it. Here's why.

Where does the quote "'Do not kill the part of you that is cringe - kill the part of you that cringes"' originate from 

Why ancient Greek philosophers and medical thinkers used dreams to diagnose diseases (On Regimen IV)

Kant's Critique of Pure Reason (1781) — A 20-week online reading group starting January 8 2025 (EST), meetings every Wednesday

https://creativehistorystories.blogspot.com/2025/01/give-us-back-our-eleven-days-when.html. 

In 1752 Great Britain adopted the Gregorian Calendar and 11 days in September simply vanished!  Eleven days of chaos and confusion then ensued...or did it?  Visit the link to read my latest article at Creative History to find out!  @topfans 

#history #historymatters #historylovers #greatbritain #england #ukhistory #unitedkingdom #ShareTheHistory #calendar #catholichistory #historyfacts #urbanlegend

<div class="md"><p><a href="https://creativehistorystories.blogspot.com/2025/01/give-us-back-our-eleven-days-when.html">https://creativehistorystories.blogspot.com/2025/01/give-us-back-our-eleven-days-when.html</a>. </p>

<p>In 1752 Great Britain adopted the Gregorian Calendar and 11 days in September simply vanished!  Eleven days of chaos and confusion then ensued...or did it?  Visit the link to read my latest article at Creative History to find out!  @topfans </p>

<h1>history #historymatters #historylovers #greatbritain #england #ukhistory #unitedkingdom #ShareTheHistory #calendar #catholichistory #historyfacts #urbanlegend</h1>
</div>

Give Us Back Our Eleven Days!  When Eleven Days in September of 1752 Simply Disappeared and the Historical Urban Legend it Created

Modernity is a ubiquitous phenomenon which defines the age in which we are living, heralding progress and enlightenment – does it even exist?

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<p>Welcome to the subreddit for the study of the history of ideas, including the histories of philosophy, of literature and the arts, of the natural and social sciences, of religion, and of political thought!  </p>

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<p><em>Few discoveries are more irritating than those which expose the pedigree of ideas.</em></p>

<p>―<strong>Lord Acton</strong></p>

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What is Intellectual History?

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Participate in the discussions!

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