Final answer:
The emergence of natural philosophy in Greece was due to a mix of intellectual skepticism towards traditional divine narratives, the questioning of political and ethical norms, and exposure to new ideas through technological advancement and cultural exchanges.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Ede and Cormack, several conditions in the Greek world provided the foundation for the emergence of natural philosophy. During the Classical Age, inquiries into politics and ethics led to profound philosophical considerations regarding the relationship between human institutions and the natural world. The Greeks questioned whether their political structures, such as democracy and tyranny, along with ethical standards, were dictated by nature or mere social constructs that evolved over time.
Figures like Aristotle delved into diverse topics from physics to poetry, demonstrating the wide-reaching nature of natural philosophy. This interdisciplinary approach stemmed from the Greeks' newfound skepticism towards traditional stories of gods that previously guided morality and was intensified by public inquiry into moral foundations through theatrical drama. Moreover, societal changes including advancements in technology, exposure to foreign cultures through trade and warfare, and the shift in values and ethical orientations contributed to an intellectual environment ripe for philosophical exploration.
The Greeks sought to understand the universe through reason, postulating that it was both coherent and comprehensible. This period of intellectual upheaval was marked by criticism of traditional tales, challenges to moral authority, and a questioning of the nature of the universe. Ultimately, their quest for knowledge led to the pursuit of metaphysical truths independent of the divine—setting the stage for natural philosophy.