Physis against nomos: he everlasting return

Abstract

Few times has there been an inquiry about the origin and cause of the opposition between physis and nomos. The so called Greek Illustration, on the fifth century A.C, emerges as an initial explanation of the develop­ment that the hermeneutics of these concepts has followed. It is relevant to speak about the etymology of both Greek terms, as the changes and widening provoked by linguistic use are the starting point for philosophi­cal reflection. This reflection can be generated in different spheres, being particularly illustrative the ones of tragedy, politics and philosophy in its confrontation with sophistic, if we place ourselves in the fifth century. The­re, in the political discussion, in the philosophical reflection and in tragic theatre, can the ultimate meaning that the Greeks gave to physis and no­mos be appreciated with more realism.