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For the purposes of this paper , many and , most importantly , highly varied sources have been consulted , and an overwhelmingly convincing case for Pherecydes having been the first Presocratic philosopher . Although this will may stimulate a considerable backlash from those seeking to reassert Thales as being in this position , the compelling , well-referenced argument herein suggests that the focus moves on to the consequences of Pherecydes being the first philosopher .
First and foremost , this paper shifts the beginning of philosophy back by several decades , well into the 7 th Century BCE . This , in and of itself , is somewhat controversial , but asserting that Pherecydes was the first philosopher is likely to be the greater controversy . The wealth of evidence , however , in terms of its breadth of originators and its depth in history , is incontrovertible . Pherecydes was the first of the Presocratics , and if the Presocratics were the first philosophers , also the first philosopher of all .
2500 years is a long time to wait for justice . If this paper serves to prompt others into researching Pherecydes ’ work , and , of course , cementing his true place in history , then it will have served its purpose .