If the Earth floats on water, what does the water float on?
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Thales of Miletus
The floating Earth
Aristotle reports that Thales thought the Earth rests on water and stays still because it floats, like wood; and he criticizes the idea.
ancient testimony · Aristóteles, Metaphysics 1.3 983b20
This idea opens onto 3 pathsA good place to stopWhat is claimed and why
- According to Aristotle, Thales held, as a consequence of his view on water, that the Earth rests on water and stays still because it floats, like wood. Aristotle objects that the same account would be needed for the water that carries the Earth. ancient testimonyAristóteles, Metaphysics (tr. Hugh Tredennick) — 1.3 983b20
which is why he also propounded that the earth floats on water
Aristóteles, Metaphysics (tr. Patricio de Azcárate) — I.3 983bPor esto llega hasta pretender, que la tierra descansa en el agua
Aristóteles, On the Heavens (De caelo) (tr. J. L. Stocks) — 2.13; 2.13Others say the earth rests upon water. This, indeed, is the oldest theory that has been preserved, and is attributed to Thales of Miletus. It was supposed to stay still because it floated like wood and other similar substances
As if the same account had not to be given of the water which carries the earth as of the earth itself!
Patricia O'Grady, Thales of Miletus (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy) — §6a