Empedocles - life and times

Mr Joseph Abela

The classic elements/roots of 'earth, air, fire and water' are well known but information about the philosopher who gave them to us is very scanty.

There seems so little information about Empedocles of Agrigento, yet he made such an impact to the western world that he ought to be considered as a pioneer as far as metaphysics is concerned.

Hailing Empedocles as the godfather of metaphysics seems to be suited towards this philosopher since no one had before him treated the first cause by investigating the being of our existing sources.