BODIJA JOURNAL | A Philosophico-Theologal Journal

Empedocles of Acragas (c. 495 – 435 BCE), a 5th century BC philosopher, distinguished himself as a classical pluralist. He proposed that reality is composed of four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. In addition, two opposing forces rule the universe: love - philia, which unites, and strife - neikos, which separates. The operation of the two forces depends on the interactions of the four elements. Elements of same nature attract, and lead to love. Nature with diverse elements repel, and lead to strife. According to Empedocles in Peri Physeõs (On Nature) and Katharmoi (Purifications), there is a cosmic cycle of mixture and separation in the universe, and every individual, by nature, possesses a dominant element among these four elements. One’s dominant element rules, creates, and defines a person’s character and attitude to life. By implications, individuals should be attentive towards detecting, and understanding one’s dominant element and that of the others for a better understanding and mutual co-existence. The awareness of one’s dominant element and its proper applications should help to build a mutual force of love. This article argues that challenges in relationships, violence, wars, and conflict, etc, could be as the result of the ignorance and unfamiliarity of the working and application of these elements.

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