Final answer:
Mythos refers to narrative thinking and supernatural stories, while logos denotes rational, logical, and scientific understanding. Their use in early philosophy represents a complex and gradual transition rather than a complete break. Today, logic continues to play a critical role in philosophical method and dialectical reasoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms mythos and logos are used to classify different bodies of thought. Mythos refers to narrative or mythic thinking, which includes supernatural stories and myths that explore human existence and its purpose. On the other hand, logos signifies a more rational, logical, and scientific method of thinking, rooted in empiricism and reasoned argument.
The earliest philosophers blended these two modes of thinking, using mythological elements to articulate their rational systems. These early philosophic and scientific inquiries were not a clean break from mythological thinking but rather represented a gradual and complex transition from one to the other. This suggests that mythos and logos are intertwined, simultaneously shaping human understanding throughout history.
In contemporary times, the use of logic remains central to philosophy. Logic helps us get closer to the truth by enabling us to reason through the consequences of our beliefs and entertain various possibilities. The dialectical method in philosophy also uses logic as a means to debate, refine, and arrive at more nuanced positions in pursuit of truth.