Final answer:
In ancient Greek Ionia, before the emergence of philosophy, investigations regarding the nature of things were labeled as 'Phusis'. This term marks the transition from mythopoetic thought to a more primitive form of scientific thinking, laying groundwork for the rational inquiry that would become philosophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
During ancient times in Greek Ionia, before the emergence of philosophy as a discipline, any investigation regarding the nature of things would be labeled as Phusis. This term is rooted in the pre-Socratic tradition, which were a phase of speculative inquiry that later gave way to rational, philosophical inquiry. Phusis refers to the primitive, scientific thinking that these thinkers applied to identify the fundamental principles or causes of existence, establishing a cosmology independent of religious influence.
The pre-Socratic thinkers were highly critical of the accepted truths and myths of their time, thus they sought rational explanations for the order of the universe, moving from a mythopoetic approach to a more reasoned one. This evolution of thought represents the transition from Phusis to what would later be recognized as philosophy. The pre-Socratics' search for truth, based on rational inquiry rather than mere belief, ultimately laid the groundwork for the discipline of philosophy.
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