Melissus and the Оne

It is established that Melissus associated with the concept of “the one” all-encompassing “all-one”, uniting in itself, as in “whole”, an infinite number of particles, which in their likeness should be, as “one single whole”. And this similarity means similarity in homogeneous existence. Homogeneity – embracing the entirety of “single” and ”multiple”, “single” and “parts”. Additionally it is established that Melissus considered existing material principles and material elements, which remain unchanged, like “whole” at levels beyond human sensory perception (sight, hearing, etc.). It was revealed that Melissus denied the possibility of knowing the true essence of things and bodies with the help of these senses. The world from the perspective of the infinite, eternal “one” is knowable, according to Melissus, only by reason.

Keywords: eternity, the one, whole, homogeneity, totality, similarity, existence, variety, change, unlimited space, microcosm, macrocosm.