Parmenides: The World as Modus Cogitandi

"Parmenides: The World as Modus Cogitandi" by Michael M. Nikolettseas, published in 2013, is a scholarly work that reinterprets the philosophical poem of Parmenides, a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, through the lens of modern natural science and mathematics. The book challenges the traditional view of Parmenides' work as a metaphysical treatise on "Being" and instead posits it as an early attempt to propose a method for conducting natural science. This reinterpretation is significant given Parmenides' historical impact on Western thought.

Main Thesis and Arguments
The central thesis is that Parmenides' poem is an epistemological essay rather than a purely philosophical or mystical text, focusing on a formal system or method for understanding nature. Nikolettseas argues that Parmenides anticipated modern scientific methods, such as those developed by Galileo and Newton, by emphasizing a rational, formal approach over sensory-based opinions. This is evident in the book's structure, with chapters like "Parmenides as a Natural Scientist" (p. 15) and "The Poem as an Essay on Method" (p. 16), which analyze specific fragments to support this interpretation.

Key arguments include:
- **Parmenides as a Natural Scientist**: The author posits that Parmenides' focus on "what-is" (tò ón) is not about ontology but about a formal system, anticipating progress in natural science two millennia later. This is supported by a quote from the preface (p. 7): "I am excited that I found considerable evidence that Parmenides was a visionary in that he anticipated the progress in natural science that was to come two millennia later with Galileo and Newton."

- **Rejection of Traditional Interpretations**: Nikolettseas challenges readings influenced by Plato and Aristotle, suggesting they misrepresented Parmenides as an ontologist. He states in the introduction (p. 9): "In this book, I essay to present Parmenides as a natural scientist who envisioned science as we view it today, and at the same time, I attempt to dissociate Parmenides’ thesis from that of Plato."

- **Two Roads of Inquiry**: The poem is presented as exploring two methods: one leading to truth (áλήθεια) through formal, rational means, and another to opinion (δόξα) based on sensory perception. This is detailed on p. 16, where the author notes, "The poem is about what-is, rather than the frequently proposed thesis that it is about Being."


Strengths and Significance
The book's interdisciplinary approach, blending ancient philosophy with modern science, is a significant strength. It challenges established interpretations, offering a fresh perspective that aligns Parmenides with the development of scientific methodology. The detailed analysis of fragments and discussion of Zeno's paradoxes add depth, making it valuable for scholars in philosophy, history of science, and epistemology. The bibliography, spanning classical texts to contemporary works, underscores its academic rigor, as seen on p. 93.

Potential Weaknesses
The dense academic style may limit accessibility for lay readers.

Conclusion
"Parmenides: The World as Modus Cogitandi" is a thought-provoking contribution to Parmenidean scholarship, redefining his legacy as a precursor to modern natural science. It is a must-read for academics interested in ancient philosophy and the history of science, though its academic rigor may require careful reading. The book's innovative interpretation, while debated, enriches the discourse on Parmenides' influence on Western thought.