Empedocles on the Inheritance of Parental Traits by Offspring

The paper deals with the embryological teaching of Empedocles, ancient Greek philosopher from Acragas, who lived in 5th century BC. article is focused on mechanisms by which children inherit their parents’ features doctrine Empedocles. available fragments and evidence teachings early philosophers often provide distorted sometimes contradictory information. This attempts to carefully analyze all regarding inheritance bring it into an agreement each other without resorting abandoning some fragments. most extensive information provided us Censorinus, 3rd Roman writer, 238 AD wrote treatise De die natali congratulate his patron Caerelius 49th birthday. comments detail testimony Censorinus (De natali, 6. 6 = 31 A 81 DK) concerning Empedocles’ views parental traits children, as well messages Aetius (Aët. 5. 11. 1 81) Aristotle gen. an. I, 18, 723a23; IV, 1, 764a1f.; 765a 8 DK). analysis conducted Erna Lesky her famous monograph 1950 was expanded supplemented this article. In addition, study takes accountthe cases where do not resemble parents. Empedocles justifies these popular superstitions, were widespread Europe up 20th century.