1. European Culture Greek Philosophy

2. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle (5 th & 4 th century BC) Socrates (470 – 399 BC) 1.Known mainly through the writings of his student, Plato, in Dialogues. 2.Dialectical method (Socratic method): logical discussion. Finding answers / force people to think through asking questions. Educate = “to lead out” (of ignorance) 3.Put to death for “injuring the city” (not acknowledging the gods, and corrupting the young.)

3. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle (5 th & 4 th century BC) Plato (428 – 348 BC) 1.Was 28 years old when Socrates was put to death. 2.His philosophy: “How can we attain knowledge?” Through general ideas – beauty, truth, goodness (which are subjective). According to Plato, these ideas are real, more so than the physical world. Thus, “Idealism”. 3.Form (ideas) + Matter = concrete individual realities

4. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle (5 th & 4 th century BC) Aristotle (384 – 322 BC) 1.A humanist and man of science – much more than a philosopher. He studied: Logic, moral philosophy, politics, metaphysics, psychology, physics, zoology, poetry, rhetoric. 2.Wrote many works that dominated European thought for more than a thousand years. 3.Aristotle emphasized direct observation of nature. He said that theory should follow fact. He was an “empiricist”. (Plato relied more on subjective thinking.)

5. Contending schools of thought Skeptics Finding the truth is impossible. Cynics Contempt of ease and pleasure. Epicureans Live a rational and simple life. Enjoy simple pleasures. Stoics Accept your fate and learn to bear it.

6. Definitions These definitions are in current use, having been derived from the various Greek philosophies. Skeptic (noun) a person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions. Skeptical (adjective) not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations

7. Definitions Cynic (noun) a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable or unselfish reasons : Some cynics thought that the controversy was all a publicity stunt. Cynical (adjective) Distrustful of human sincerity or integrity Doubtful as to whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile

8. Definitions Epicurean (adjective & noun) Sensuous, living for pleasure (a person who lives this way) Stoic (noun) A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining Stoical (adjective) Able to endure pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining

9. Hippocratic Oath (excerpt) I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.