The Milesian School and Political Activity

The article reconstructs the political views of the Milesians on the basis of biographical data and socio-historical context. It has been established that there is a democratic orientation in the activities of Thales, Anaximander and Hecataeus. Representatives of the Milesian School are characterized by active participation in socio-political activities, a critical attitude towards tyranny, a desire for political virtue, public discussion of state affairs, a combination of contemplative and active life, and polis patriotism. It is shown that all these values were most characteristic of ancient Greek democracy during its heyday. It is concluded that no matter what narrow party interests the representatives of the Milesian School defended, their political activities reflected those trends that were associated with the formation of democracy in the late Archaic period.