1. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
Greek Philosophers
Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

2. What is Philosophy? “The Love of Wisdom”
The study of general and fundamental problems, including those connected with existence, values, reason, and mind.
“The Love of Wisdom”

3. Greek Education and Philosophy
Education, search for knowledge, philosophy
Knowledge through observations – don’t assume, ASK WHY
Math, Science – Allow measurements to explain world. Atomism
Ideas of World in Constant Flux, Change can be measured. Math goes into Science
Sophists – No truth, only what you think is true matter
Teach Arguments
Greek Education – small elite group attended classes
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A HUMAN? – We can improve and be better

4. Ancient Greek Philosophy
Broke away from mythological approach to explaining the world
Used reason and evidence to understand human actions and the material world

5. Greek Philosophers Socrates Plato Aristotle 470-399 B.C. 428-348 B.C.
Today, we’ll have the opportunity to learn more about each of these very famous Greek philosophers. First, through a jigsaw activity, and then by looking at some of their quotes.

6. Jigsaw – Greek Philosophers
Step 1: In your expert group, silently and independently read/annotate your assigned Greek philosopher
Step 2: In your expert group, take notes in your notebook on your assigned philosopher
Step 3: In your home group, present your assigned philosopher while others take notes

7. Socrates
Philosophy – Interaction with knowledge – started with Socrates
Socratic Method – Always asks how to do you know what is true?
Don’t use religion to explain it
Never wrote anything down
Never took money for teaching
Absolutes in Truth
Within an individual all of the knowledge is there. Asks questions to help people reach it
Caused people to doubt themselves and got int trouble
Forced to commit suicide

8. Plato Student of Socrates Wrote down what Socrates said
Son of aristocratic family, well educated
Questioned Athens – They killed Socrates
Everything has Ideal form (Think of a Chair)
City State also has an ideal form (perfect form)
The Republic – Political philosophy
Leaders are selected based on Merit
Tests people to determine what they become
After training you can become a leader
Ideal state ruled by Philosopher King – Engage reason stays above all the bad things in politics
Influenced Western thought

9. Aristotle Influential Greek Philosopher Was student of Plato’s Academy
Started own school: Lyceum
Disagreed with Plato’s Work
Classify things – Understand them
Look at physical world rather than just think about the physical world
Political Ideas – Categories: Monarchy, Oligarchy, Democracy
Considered what would make a good state
Pioneered ethics, looked at how to be virtuous and public and private
Good State – Good Constitution, Allowed good citizens to live good lives, bring about justice
Would allow for freedom to engage in education
Legacy – Translated to Rome and to the Middle Ages, Early Modern Period
2000 year impact