1. Greek Philosophers

2. Greek Philosophy Mythology Philosophy
People couldn’t explain or interpret the world around them
Higher powers influenced the world
Philosophy
Used observation
Interpreted information using reasoning and evidence
Questions
“Scientists”

3. Thales Father of Ancient Greek Philosophy
Hypothesized why changes occur in things
Natural explanations for natural phenomena
Proposed water as the underlying component in the world
Earth floats on water
Earthquakes are waves crashing
Not angry gods

4. Empedocles Divided world into more real and less real
More real (remains constant)
Four Element Theory of Matter
Earth
Air
Fire
Water
All elements mixed and separated to create different things
Mix = love
Strife = separation
Less real
Sensory experiences (see and hear)
Result of four elements
Change, generation, destruction
First to promote idea of evolutionary development of species

5. Socrates Laying fundamentals of modern Western philosophy
Did not leave any writing behind
Writings of Plato
Questioned people on their beliefs
Socratic method
Logical questions meant to recognize unreasonable thoughts vs truth
Clarify personal beliefs
Evaluate self worth
Living a good, moral life more important than wealth
Focused on ethical system rather than doctrine
Officials should be voted based on merit instead of by ballot
Unexamined life is not worth living
Ultimate wisdom comes from those who know themselves
Ability to reason = ability to make happy choices
Executed for beliefs and approach
Challenging democracy
Corruption of youth

6. Socratic Method Example
Socrates: Excuse me Athenian…can you tell me the color of the sky please?
Student: Yes, the color of the sky is blue…can’t you see for yourself?
Socrates: I can see fine…so is the sky blue to a blind person?
Student: Umm…I don’t know how they would know
Socrates: So the sky is blue only to the people who can see it?
Student: I guess so
Socrates: If nobody looks at the sky then, does that mean it’s still blue?
Student: Well…yes it is still blue
Socrates: How is the sky blue for those who can see it but yet not blue for those who can’t see it?
Student: Because the color blue exists in our mind as a result of our perception

7. Plato Most famous student of Socrates The Republic
Distrusted democracy after death of Socrates
The Republic
Ideal state
Control every aspect of life
Ruled by elite philosophers
Ensure order and justice
Allegory of the Cave

8. Aristotle Disciple of Plato Student of Socrates
Challenged democracy
One strong ruler
Student of Socrates
Tutored Alexander the Great
Interpretations based on facts learned from experience
Broke down knowledge into categories
Biology
Math
Physics
Lyceum