The first step we must take when attempting an overview of the main views of the pre-Socratic philosophers is to examine from what point we should start. However, to do this, we must first clarify the term philosophy, which has been interpreted in various ways by different researchers throughout the ages.

If we accept that the term philosophy encompasses the questions that humans pose regarding their place in the world, the cause and purpose of their existence, the soul, the origin of the world, the existence of God or gods, knowledge, the right way of living and governing states, etc., the beginnings of Greek philosophy must be sought in the archaic mythical thinking of the Greeks, when -starting with the Orphics- the first philosophical questions were posed.

Moreover, as both Plato and Aristotle had observed, at the base of philosophy lies wonder: “For truly this is the passion of the philosopher, to wonder; for there is no other beginning of philosophy than this.”