Final answer:
The Presocratic philosophers signify the transition from mythological thinking to rational inquiry, focusing on uncovering natural principles without reliance on myth. This shift was a complex, gradual move from mythos to logos, vital in establishing the basis for modern scientific and philosophical thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Presocratic philosophers mark the transition from mythological thinking to critical rational inquiry is True. The Presocratics' quest for understanding nature and existence led to the development of early scientific thought, marking a shift from a mythological worldview towards a more rational, evidence-based understanding. They were primarily concerned with the arche, or the fundamental principles of the universe, and sought explanations that did not depend on the supernatural.
This movement, from mythos (myth) to logos (reason), was neither abrupt nor consistently linear, but rather a complex and gradual transition. The Greeks documented this shift in various forms, including through philosophical inquiries and reflections in literature. Ultimately, this transition laid the foundations for modern scientific and philosophical inquiry, moving from accepting traditional narratives to embracing reason and critical thinking.