Two Heraclitus Interpretations

Logos according to Rest in Motion

Strife and tension

Flux that gives rise to (apparent, temporary) stability

Senses are deceitful

Change according to Rest in Motion

Change is a fundamental and constant, creates stability (rest)

Basis of equilibrium, attunement of opposite tensions

Plato and Aristotle interpret it this way

Unity of Opposites according to Rest in Motion

Opposites are real

Unity is their simultaneous opposite tensions

River stays together like a bow

Way up = way down according to Rest in Motion

All things are moving both up and down at once

Changes in the cosmos are cyclical

Relativism according to Rest in Motion

Cosmos itself is good (real)

Good and bad are perspectival (apparent)

Fire according to Rest in Motion

Not stuff, not a Milesian project

Symbol of the world’s nature: constant change (river)

Certain primacy, but not a permanent substratum

Logos according to Motion in Rest

Plan, unifying formula, proportion

Stability of the coherent complex whole

Senses tell us that things are stable, not in constant flux

Change according to Motion in Rest

Change is inevitable, regular, cyclical, gradual

Stability is real, yet illusory in being temporary

Plato and Aristotle got it wrong

Unity of opposites according to Motion in Rest

Opposites are merely apparent: perspectival, relative

Unity is their inseparability, a single continuum

Succession of stages accounts for unity (river)

Way up = way down according to Motion in Rest

Aspects, and perspectives show that opposites are not real

Change is cyclical

Relativism according to Motion in Rest

Shows that the opposites are merely apparent

Fire according to Motion in Rest

Matter (but not a Milesian source)

Stable substance that underlies change

Directive logos