Greco-Roman Vs. Judeo-Christian

Greek Philosophers Socrates (Sock-ra-tees) – Socratic Method

Greek Philosophers Plato (Play-toe) – Socrates’ student

Plato Wrote the book Republic How does that apply to our government? Believed that the government should be controlled by the smartest, not the richest or most powerful How does that apply to our government? Indirect democracy – you vote for people who you think is best

Greek Philosophers Aristotle – Plato’s student Wrote HELLA books Taught Alexander the Great

Aristotle Wrote the book Politics The group is more important than the individual The city comes before the individual How does this apply to our government? Laws are passed that don’t benefit everyone, but they are meant for the greater good

Plato and Aristotle Plato and Aristotle both believed in Philosopher Kings, the wisest and smartest people who should be running the government

Greek Mythology vs. Christianity Christianity/Judaism/Islam Polytheistic (Many Gods) Gods/religion used to explain natural phenomenon (lightning) People must offer sacrifices and not equal under God In law, everything must be based on logic and reason, not on faith The good of the whole is more important than the good of the individual Monotheistic (One God) God is ONLY concerned with human problems God/religion used to explain individual morality (what is good and what is bad) People are important and equal under God The individual is important

Multiple Choice Practice He who trusts any man with supreme power gives it to a wild beast, for such his appetite sometimes makes him: passion influences those in power, even the best of men, but law is reason without desire. . . . —Aristotle Which feature of modern Western democratic government reflects Aristotle’s views as given above? the direct election of members of the legislature the power of the courts to review the law the granting of emergency powers to the chief executive the requirement that government actions must adhere to the law