greek philosophy socrates, plato, & aristotle philosophy philosophy love of wisdom early...
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Greek Philosophy
Socrates, Plato, & Aristotle
Philosophy Philosophy love of wisdom Early Greek philosophers were concerned
with the development of logic and reasoning, and how divine forces worked
Socrates (469-399 B.C.) “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Beliefs We contain all the knowledge of the world in our
souls Reincarnation
We lose touch with that knowledge after every rebirth
We DO NOT learn new things, but are reminded of what we already know
Socrates (469-399 B.C.) Beliefs
Good is not good because the gods say so Good is measured by practical usefulness
Don’t need religious texts to tell us right from wrong Monotheistic
Did not believe in the multitude of Greek gods & goddesses
Anti-authority Wanted students to question society
Socrates (469-399 B.C.) Legacy
The Socratic Method Teaching by using question-and-answer format to
lead pupils to understanding concepts through reasoning
Let students learn for themselves Leads to modern school system
Death Put on trial & convicted by an Athenian jury of
corrupting the youth of Athens Forced to drink hemlock and commit suicide
Plato (437?-347 BC) “Dictatorship naturally arises out of democracy, and the
most aggravated form of tyranny and slavery out of the most extreme liberty.”
Socrates’ student Wrote down all of Socrates beliefs Considered the greatest philosopher in
Western Civilization
Plato (437?-347 BC) Beliefs
How do we know what’s real? Earth is not real
Must live in a rational state The higher world of eternity is real
The Republic Does not trust democracy Offers his ideal state
Philosopher kings – driven by wisdom Warriors – provide courage Peasants – driven by desire, but would produce
Argued against materialism
Plato (437?-347 BC) Beliefs
Men and women should be educated They should have equal access to all positions Three Levels of Pleasure
Physical i.e. sex
Sensual i.e. admiring beauty or enjoying relationship in marriage
Ideal intellectual love; connecting with another mind No physicality to soil the relationship Platonic love
Plato (437?-347 BC) Beliefs
God is perfect We must strive to resemble God We move closer to God via reincarnation
He created the world out of raw materials Sin is people being ignorant
Do not punish, but reform sinners via education
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) “The worst form of inequality is to try to
make unequal things equal.” Prized student of Plato Teacher of Alexander the Great Lyceum
Built school of philosophy Beautiful grounds with covered walkways Traditional college campuses based on the
Lyceum
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) Beliefs
Three Souls Plant Soul essence of nutrition Animal Soul essence of pleasure, pain, & desire Human Soul essence of reasoning
People learn through reasoning Three forms of government
Monarchy Negative could turn into tyranny
Aristocracy Negative could turn into an oligarchy
Constitutional Monarchy Negative could turn into anarchy
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) Legacy
System of Classification The ologies: biology, zoology, etc. Governments: democracies, oligarchies, tyrannies
Inventor of modern logic p v q
Wrote the first book on psychology