Greek
Philosophers
Greek Philosophers
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: a2 + b2 = c2
Pythagoras
582-500 B.C.
c2
a2
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b2
Pythagorean Theorem: a2 + b2 = c2
The Three Most Famous
Philosophers
Socrates
Plato
Aristotle
Socrates
469 - 399 B.C.
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Critic of the Sophists
Encouraged students to think
Left no writings – skeptical
Dialectic method
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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.
“The unexamined
life is not worth
living.”
- 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.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
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.”
Aristotle
384 - 322 B.C.
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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
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Used in biology
Views on Government
Aristotle
384 - 322 B.C.
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Views on Government
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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.
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“All things in moderation”
“Man is by nature a
political animal.”