Ancient Greece Philosophers

World History IMiss LaFerriere

Greek Philosophy• What is philosophy?– Literally means “love of wisdom”

• The philosophers were “seekers of wisdom” who tried to study the world in a systematic way

• Believed people could understand the world and universe through logic and reason

• Earliest group were known as sophists – men of wisdom–Main concern was political and social

success–Many were teachers who trained the

children of the wealthy

Socrates• 469 – 399 B.C.E• Developed the Socratic

Method – a question and answer technique to study issues– Designed to make

people examine/question their beliefs

– Also to make people question how one should one live by examining goodness, truth and justice (values)

• Put on trial at age 70 for “corrupting the youth”– Sentenced to death:

drank hemlock poison

The Death of SocratesPainted by Jacques Louis David

1787

Plato• Student of Socrates• Believed that at birth

everyone is born with an intellectual soul (knowledge of universal concepts) but this knowledge must be drawn out through education, reflection, and speculation

Plato428 – 347 B.C.E

PLato

• Wrote The Republic – outlined his ideas of an ideal society–Believed no one should have wealth or luxury and all should do what they are best suited to do

• Founded the Academy in 387 B.C.E

Aristotle• Student of Plato• Believed reason was the highest

good• Praised the virtues of self-

reliance and self control• Opened a school – The Lyceum–World’s first scientific institute

Aristotle384-322 B.C.E.

Aristotle• Questioned nature of the world and

human belief, thought, and knowledge

• Used logic to argue points• His work provided the basis for

scientific method–Question, Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion

• Taught Alexander the Great

Impact

• Ancient Greek Philosophers - in particularly Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle – influenced the development of western philosophy, science, religion (including Christianity!), politics, and ethics.

• Their work is as relevant today as it was during their lifetimes.