GREEK PHILOSOPHERS

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

What is Philosophy?

The study of general and fundamental

problems, including those connected with existence,

values, reason, and mind.

“The Love of Wisdom”

Greek Education and Philosophy Education, search for knowledge, philosophy Knowledge through observations – don’t assume, ASK

WHY Math, Science – Allow measurements to explain world.

Atomism Ideas of World in Constant Flux, Change can be

measured. Math goes into Science Sophists – No truth, only what you think is true matter Teach Arguments Greek Education – small elite group attended classes WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A HUMAN? – We can

improve and be better

Ancient Greek Philosophy

Broke away from mythological approach to explaining the world

Used reason and evidence to understand human actions and the material world

Greek Philosophers

Socrates470-399 B.C.

Plato428-348 B.C.

Aristotle384-322 B.C.

Jigsaw – Greek Philosophers

Step 1: In your expert group, silently and independently read/annotate your assigned Greek philosopher

Step 2: In your expert group, take notes in your notebook on your assigned philosopher

Step 3: In your home group, present your assigned philosopher while others take notes

Socrates

Philosophy – Interaction with knowledge – started with Socrates

Socratic Method – Always asks how to do you know what is true?

Don’t use religion to explain it Never wrote anything down Never took money for teaching Absolutes in Truth Within an individual all of the knowledge is there. Asks

questions to help people reach it Caused people to doubt themselves and got int trouble Forced to commit suicide

Plato

Student of Socrates Wrote down what Socrates said Son of aristocratic family, well educated Questioned Athens – They killed Socrates Everything has Ideal form (Think of a Chair) City State also has an ideal form (perfect form) The Republic – Political philosphy Leaders are selected based on Merit Tests people to determine what they become After training you can become a leader Ideal state ruled by Philosopher King – Engage reason stays

above all the bad things in politics Influenced Western thought

Aristotle

Influential Greek Philosopher Was student of Plato’s Academy Started own school: Lyceum Disagreed with Plato’s Work Classify things – Understand them Look at physical world rather than just think about the physical world Political Ideas – Categories: Monarchy, Oligarchy, Democracy Considered what would make a good state Pioneered ethics, looked at how to be virtious and public and private Good State – Good Constitution, Allowed good citzens to live good

lives, bring about justice Would allow for freedom to engage in education Legacy – Transtated to Rome and to the Middle Ages, Early Modern

Period 2000 year impact