David Lepidi (MPhil Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature)

Debates on the living capacities of plants in ancient Greek philosophy date as far back as the 5th century BCE, when the Pre-Socratic philosophers first began theorizing about the place of plants in the universe and their interconnectedness with the natural world. Ever since, philosophers have responded to the doctrines of the Pre-Socratics and elaborated new theories on plant physiology and life. Debates hinged on the question of the soul, and whether plants were endowed with the same life processes of animals and human beings. Following a chronological line, this presentation will explore the evolution of the conception of plant life in ancient Greek philosophy.