1. Ancient Greek philosophers who lived before Socrates (5th century BCE), or their philosophical doctrines and teachings.
Usage: Usually plural; refers to a historical and philosophical period; Academic/educational context

Examples

• The presocratics laid the foundation for Western philosophy by asking fundamental questions about the nature of reality.
• Thales and Heraclitus were among the most influential presocratics.
• Students of ancient philosophy must study the presocratics to understand how Greek thought developed.
• The presocratics rejected mythological explanations in favor of rational inquiry.
• Many fragments of presocratic writings survive only through quotations in later texts.
• The presocratic emphasis on natural causes influenced the development of science.