Logos
conceptThe rational principle governing the cosmos — simultaneously word, reason, argument, and proportion.
The Myth
Logos is perhaps the most untranslatable word in Greek philosophy. Heraclitus used it to describe the underlying rational order of the universe. The Stoics made it the active, intelligent principle pervading all reality. For Aristotle, logos was the capacity for rational speech that distinguished humans from animals. In rhetoric, logos meant logical argument, as opposed to emotional appeal (pathos) or character (ethos). The Gospel of John famously opens "In the beginning was the Logos," fusing Greek philosophy with Judeo-Christian theology.
Symbols
Fun Fact
Every academic discipline ending in "-logy" (biology, psychology, theology) is named after logos — the word literally structures how we categorize human knowledge.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
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Aletheia
conceptTruth understood as unconcealment — the revealing of what was hidden.
Amazonomachy
conceptThe Amazonomachy was the legendary battle between the Athenians and the Amazons who invaded Athens...
Ambrosia
conceptAmbrosia was the food of the Olympian gods — anyone who consumed it became immortal, but mortals...
Anagnorisis
conceptAnagnorisis was the moment of recognition in tragedy — when the hero discovers the truth about...
Aporia
conceptA state of philosophical puzzlement where contradictory arguments seem equally strong.
Apotropaic
conceptApotropaic rituals and symbols were used to ward off evil, bad luck, and malicious spirits — from...
Arete
conceptArete was the Greek concept of excellence in all things — not merely moral virtue but the...
Arete (Concept)
conceptExcellence or virtue — the quality of being the best possible version of what something is.