What did Heraclitus mean when he said "logos"?

When Heraclitus coined the term "logos," he was attempting to explain God's nature and divinity. Logos is that which is universally recognized and exists, but which is difficult for humans to comprehend. Because they fail to apply reason and understanding beyond what they see, humans may be inexperienced in the world they inhabit. The purpose of Heraclitus' logos, as well as how it functions in the modern world, are discussed in this research paper. In addition, the essay will demonstrate the relevance of philosophy in today's world.
Function of Logos
Human minds can use logos to evaluate situations before coming to conclusions. Indeed, as Heraclitus notes, it is easy for human beings to stick with their story without considering their opponent’s view since they could always find themselves to be right (Hoffman 12). In this case, being close-minded hinders one from understanding the hidden messages in any language, literature device or actions. Logos is also a means by which human beings can connect a person’s world with their actions. It is indeed easy for one to make utterances that do not align with their deeds. Through logos, therefore, one can decipher the truth and get the hidden messages. According to Heraclitus, a person that does not use logos is barbaric, and they cannot connect to the real world.

Being enclosed in one’s mental cycle hence makes one a prisoner of their world, and they fail to experiment with other thoughts that could indeed benefit them. For instance, if one does not seek to understand Greek, they may not know what the spoken words mean. It is hence possible that the individual will refer to Greek as noise since they have not put any effort into understanding how the Greeks relate with one another. Heraclitus gives an analogy of fresh water in the sea. He mentions that although human beings may regard it as impure, it helps to sustain the fish in the lakes and hence it is good. What Heraclitus sought to explain is that there is always two sides of a story and human beings are likely to favor the one that appeals to their logic (Hoffman 4). Fire is good and it can also be a bad thing depending on how views it. For instance, it can help to make food that would lead to satisfaction and good health. On the other hand, it can burn up buildings, and it can hence be regarded as a bad thing.

How do logos work?

Logos work by enabling human beings to look at things as transformational equivalent. Logos hence allows people to understand that the different characteristic of something does not mean that it is a separate entity (Reames 329). There is thus a need to apply reason to understand the logic of everything in existence hence decipher the unwritten rules and messages. While indeed opposites are essential in life, logos helps to reveal the unity in things and the possibility to directly exist in different forms (Hoffman 8). Heraclitus explains that logos help people to understand that although the old keeps changing, human beings are the same. Instead, one must always strive to be a better version of them and hence not resist change.

Heraclitus used the Unity of Opposites analogy to explain how things transform within the same space. Heraclitus explains that things and people must always undergo a transformation for stability. Things also change according to Heraclitus so that that they could exist in their opposite form. For instance, a person is born, later dies so that new life can exist. Heraclitus further uses the River Paradox to explain how constant change is vital for stability. One cannot touch the same water twice because new water is flowing. The changes that happen to the daily lives are also paramount because it enables human beings to appreciate life (Reames 331). For instance, of a person never fell ill, he would not value life and good health. If people never disagreed, then they would never appreciate peace and harmony. Opposites must always exist and live in harmony with one another.

Is philosophy relevant today?

The work of Heraclitus, Plato, and Socrates and other philosophers is still relevant today. Philosophy helps to guide human’s behavior and gives a reason for the various activities (Tasdelen 912). When to comes to life fulfillment, one may consider philosophical views for its meaning and guidance. For some people, accomplishment may mean achieving one’s goals and dreams within the stipulated time frame. Others may choose a life that has fewer conflicts and that which allows them to live in harmony with each other. Philosophy also helps those in authority in delegation and stipulation of power. By looking at the different tenets of leadership and fairness, they are likely to be better leaders. The leaders can always refer to different philosophical works to understand the various dilemmas that they could be facing and get immediate solutions. Through philosophy one develops good critical thinking skills which they apply to their daily lives.

Conclusively, Heraclitus has used logos to explain divinity and transformation in today’s world. Heraclitus states that all earthy things have two sides and one cannot function without the other. Heraclitus adds on that human beings are likely to view one side of a story and this hinders them from understanding the possibilities that could result from exploring all avenues. Logos is hence a means through which human beings must seek to understand the meaning of life beyond their senses. Applying philosophy today enables human beings to use reason and apply logic in their daily lives.





Works Cited

Hoffman, David C. "Structural Logos in Heraclitus and the Sophists." Advances in the History of Rhetoric 9.1 (2006): 1-32.

Reames, Robin. "The Logos Paradox: Heraclitus, Material Language, and Rhetoric." Philosophy & Rhetoric 46.3 (2013): 328-350.

Tasdelen, Vefa. "Logos and Education: On the Educational Philosophy of Heraclitus." Anthropologist 18.3 (2014): 911-920.