GREEK PHILOSOPHERS I can explain the importance of the Greek philosophers; Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

“True knowledge exists only when you acknowledge that you know nothing Socrates “Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something.” Plato “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Aristotle

What are some things we as humans don’t understand about the universe? THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH What are some things we as humans don’t understand about the universe? What are some things that have been discovered by humans about the universe? After the Peloponnesian War, Greek thinkers began to question their values. In this questioning, they were like the Chinese thinkers before and during the Time of the Warring States. In the search to find answers, the Greeks developed philosophy, or the study of basic truths and ideas about the universe. Greek philosophers had two basic ideas about the universe. First, they assumed that the universe is put together in an orderly way. They believed that laws of nature control the universe. Second, the philosophers assumed that people could understand these laws. The philosophers used these two ideas when they sought the truth.

SOCRATES 470-399 B.C Over a period of time, Greece had many famous philosophers. One of them was Socrates. He encouraged his young students to examine their beliefs by asking them a series of questions. This question and answer style of teaching is called the Socratic method. EXAMPLE ARGUMENT USING THE SOCRATIC METHOD John: This table is blue. Socrates: To a blind person, is this table still blue? John: Yes. Socrates: What makes it blue to a person, and not pink, purple or red? In other words, if someone can’t see, what makes the table blue? If the table is in the middle of a room where no one can see it, is it still blue? John: LEAVE ME ALONE! IF A TREE FALLS IN THE FOREST, AND NO ONE IS AROUND TO HEAR IT, DOES IT MAKE A SOUND?

THE TRIAL OF SOCRATES Young people liked the teaching of Socrates. His enemies however accused him of causing young people to rebel. They brought him to trial. Socrates told the court that he was teaching young people to think about their values and actions. The jury did not agree with his actions and sentences him to death. Socrates died by drinking a poison called hemlock.

PLATO AND ARISTOTLE One of Socrates’ best students was Plato. He was born around 427 B.C. Plato wrote about an ideal government in a book titled The Republic. He did not describe a democracy. Instead, he believed that a philosopher-king should rule This king would be wise, calm, and reasonable (like a Philosopher). Plato started an important school of higher learning called the Academy. It stayed open for about 900 years. The Academy was not a school or college in the modern sense. Rather, it was an informal association of people interested in studying philosophy, mathematics and astronomy with Plato as a guide. Think of it as a club for the really smart people of the ancient world.

Aristotle was Plato’s brightest student Aristotle was Plato’s brightest student. Aristotle lived from 384 to 322 B.C. He invented a method of debating that followed rules of logic. Later, the rules of logic were applied to studies in science. (The Scientific Method). Aristotle opened his own school in Athens called the Lyceum. In addition to his great philosophical work, Aristotle also spent three years tutoring Alexander the Great. INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ARISTOTLE Regarded by many historians as the most intelligent person to ever walk the planet. He invented new ways of studying that included looking for clues and proofs. He is known as the father of biology, being the first person to classify things as either plants or humans. He discovered the concept of infinity.