สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

«“√ “√ √“™∫— ≥±‘ µ¬ ∂“π ªï ∑’Ë Û ©∫— ∫∑’Ë Û °.§.-°.¬. ÚıÙ¯ 829 °’ √µ‘ ∫ÿ ≠‡®◊ Õ Abstract Empedocles’ Applied Philosophy Kirti Bunchua Fellow of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, The Royal Institute, Thailand Empedocles proposes his metaphysics of the 4 elements to satisfy the curiosity of the intellectuals of his time. In accordance with this metaphysics he derived his epistemology proposing the theory of effluence : everything sends off effluences in all directions. Only 5 kinds of effluences are fit to our 5 senses. That is why we can know all 5 aspects of reality according to the Empedocles’ epistemological principle : “The Like knows the Like” The Like has the tendency to enter into the pores of the Like and the Like feels happy. The Unlike is the stranger that brings uneasiness. Purification from the Unlike is the sure way to happiness, both for this and for the life to come. Key words : Ancient Greek Philosophy, Empedocles, Four Elements, epistemology, effluence, reincarnation, the like