Philosophers – “lovers of wisdom”
Sophists – “workers of wisdom”
– Teachers phileo = love sophia = wisdom
If sophia = wisdom and moron = fool, then a sophomore is a “wise fool.”

Pythagoras
582-500
B.C
.
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The universe could only be understood thru numbers.
Sun, moon, and earth revolved around a central fire.
Each planet produces a tone!
Famous for the Pythagorean
Theorem: a
2 + b
2 = c
2

Pythagoras
582-500
B.C
.
c 2 a 2 b 2

Pythagorean Theorem: a
2 + b
2 = c
2

The Three Most Famous
Philosophers
Socrates Plato Aristotle

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Socrates
469 - 399
B.C
.
Critic of the Sophists
Encouraged students to think
Left no writings – skeptical
Dialectic method


Conversational
Based upon reason and logic
Popular among the youth a “gadfly” in Athens
Placed on trial for impiety and corrupting the youth
Was executed in 399 – drank poison hemlock

Socrates
469 - 399
B.C
.
- Socrates -

Socrates
469 - 399
B.C
.
Socratic Method:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Admit ignorance.
Never rely on tradition.
Continuously question.
Formulate your own opinions.
Test your opinions with others.

Socrates
469 - 399
B.C
.
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Socrates’ dialectic method was a departure from earlier philosophers.
Earlier philosophers were interested in the nature of the universe and basic elements.
Socrates’ approach was more rigorous and was the forerunner of logic.
Most famous student: Plato

Socrates
469 - 399
B.C
.

Plato
427 - 347
B.C
.

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Preserved and perpetuated the work of Socrates
Most important source of info on Socrates
Founded the Academy
Wrote dialogues

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Universal Forms was a recurring theme
The Republic – most important dialogue
“Those things which are beautiful are also difficult.”

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Aristotle
384 - 322
B.C
.
Most famous student of
Plato
Most famous teacher of
Alexander the Great
Developed Logic as a field of study
Devised a complex system of classification

Used in biology
Views on Government


Aristotle
384 - 322
B.C
.
Views on Government


3 Good Governments:

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
Monarchy
Aristocracy
Democracy
3 Bad Governments:
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Tyranny
Oligarchy
Mob Rule


Aristotle
384 - 322
B.C
.
“All things in moderation”

“Man is by nature a political animal.”