Final answer:
The first Greek philosophers focused on understanding the nature of the world and human life through reason and logic. Key interests included ethics, politics, the natural world, and the human mind, preferring rational and critical discussions over empirical methods. Their approach resulted in significant contributions to various fields, although they sometimes dismissed ideas like atomism that were ahead of their time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Interests of Early Greek Philosophers
The early Greek philosophers were primarily interested in understanding the world through reason and logic. Unlike the empirical methods of modern science which involve experimentation and observation, these philosophers engaged in intellectual debate and thought experiments. Discussions concerning the physical world, ethics, politics, and human behavior dominated their inquiries. Among their topics was the exploration of whether the standards of ethics and political structures of Greece were dictated by nature or societal customs.
Philosophers like Socrates emphasized the importance of seeking truth through reasoned argument, dismissing notions that couldn't withstand critical scrutiny. The Sophists, on the other hand, argued that truths were relative and thus the aim should be to develop the skill to argue any position. This period marked a substantial departure from supernatural explanations, directing focus towards human reasonings and capabilities. It's noteworthy that the absence of experimental practices led to the dismissal of theories such as Democritus' theory of atomos, which was not appreciated until much later in history.