Final answer:
Ancient Greek philosophy exhibited a transition from intuitive knowledge (gnosis) to systematic, theoretical knowledge (episteme). This change occurred gradually and reflects a broader cultural shift from mythos to logos, moving from mythological to rational explanations. The evolution of knowledge is evident in the works of Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, as well as in the skepticism of figures like Pyrrho.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ancient Greek Philosophy, there was a distinction between gnosis and episteme. Gnosis refers to knowledge of a more mystical or direct understanding, often linked to intuition or personal insight. Episteme, on the other hand, is systematic and theoretical knowledge, closely associated with science and reason. Plato's philosophy embodies the quest for episteme through dialectic and debate, a method that reflects the importance of justified, true belief. Over time, particularly from the pre-Socratics to Plato and Aristotle, there was an evolution in how knowledge was understood and valued.
This journey from mythos to logos signifies a gradual transition from reliance on mythological narratives to rational explanations for the world and human experience. The shift from gnosis to episteme can be seen as part of this broader cultural and intellectual evolution, where concrete, verifiable knowledge gained greater prominence. The exploration of knowledge in Greek thought varied with skeptics like Pyrrho questioning the very possibility of certain knowledge and Academic Skeptics articulating degrees of belief over fixed knowledge claims.
This skepticism underscores the complexity and non-linear nature of the evolution of Greek thought about knowledge. In summary, the change over time in Greek thinking about knowledge - from gnosis to episteme - reflects a larger cultural shift. While the move was gradual, the debates on this topic found in the writings of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Skeptics show the development and deepening of the concept of knowledge in Ancient Greek Philosophy and its relevance to discussions of truth and belief today.