1. Greek Philosophers
Lovers of Wisdom

2. Socrates Born in Athens 470 BC Fought in some wars for Athens
Received big chunk of money after his father died
Began to spend his time questioning aristocratic (rich) youth about common beliefs

3. Socratic Method Used questioning for every question
Defined truths common to all men
Defended the social order (state)
Believed standards existed for truth and justice

4. Socrates End Parents didn’t like what he was “teaching” their students
students began to question to many things
Convicted by the courts for “corrupting the youth” and sentenced to death

5. Could have escaped but felt it is the duty of all citizens to obey laws, even if they are unjust
Drank poison and died among his friends!!!!

7. PLATO Born in Athens 428 BC Student of Socrates
Plato introduces the world to his teacher, Socrates
No actual writings of Socrates, except through Plato

8. Founded The Academy in Athens, 387 BC
School to educate the youth of Athens in philosophy
School lasted 900 years
Roman mosaic of Plato’s Academy

9. Plato and The Republic The Republic is considered his greatest writing
Discusses what is virtue, justice, wisdom, and courage
Examines various forms of governments and finds their flaws, including democracy
Believes philosophers are those fit to rule
The ruling class must be the most educated and philosophical

10. Aristotle Born in Macedonia 384 BC Student of Plato
Teacher to Alexander the Great
Founded the Lyceum in Athens, 335 BC
school of philosophy which rivaled the Academy

11. Aristotle - Politics Good Governments Corrupt Governments
* He collected and studied the constitutions of over 150 city states before writing the Politics.
* Established a famous classification of six types of rule
Good Governments
Rule for the common interest
Monarchy
Aristocracy
Polity
Corrupt Governments
Rule for their own interests
Tyranny
Oligarchy
Democracy (mob rule)