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Greek Philosophy

Greek Philosophy. World History - Libertyville HS. What is philosophy?. Literally means “Lover of Wisdom” Attempt to explain & describe world around us rationally or logically Difference between philosophy & religion: religion involves notion of God(s) and faith. Socrates (470-399 BC).

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Greek Philosophy

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  1. Greek Philosophy World History - Libertyville HS

  2. What is philosophy? • Literally means “Lover of Wisdom” • Attempt to explain & describe world around us rationally or logically • Difference between philosophy & religion: religion involves notion of God(s) and faith

  3. Socrates (470-399 BC) • Athenian philosopher • Beliefs • All people should try to do good • People who failed to do good were either ignorant or evil • One has an obligation to disobey a bad command • Believed in virtue as a key characteristic • Advocated republics led by a philosopher-King

  4. Life of Socrates • Lived during Peloponnesian War, in which he fought • Traveled Greece as a wandering philosopher • Taught in exchange, for food / clothing • Sentenced to death by Athenian democracy • “Corrupting Athenian youth” • He had upset powerful people • Sentenced to death by his own hand – drank hemlock (poison)

  5. Plato (428-347 BC) • Devoted student of Socrates • After his death, Plato traveled the known world (Italy, Sicily, Egypt) teaching in style of Socrates • Returned to Athens and founded school outside of city – the Academy • Taught there for rest of his life • Academy continued until 529 AD, when it was closed by Roman Emperor; considered a threat to spread of Christianity

  6. Plato’s Beliefs • Wrote and expanded upon Socrates’ teaching • Wrote The Republic • Showed an idealized form of government led by philosopher king • Explicitly rejected Athenian democracy, b/c so few were fit to rule • Also wrote about conflict between nature and nurture • His writings were treasured by Eastern RE, Muslims

  7. Aristotle (384-322 BC) • Studied with Plato at the Academy • After Plato’s death, he taught kids of several royal families • Invited to teach Alexander of Macedon • Taught him for 5 years • Had great influence on Alexander’s thinking • Upon Alexander’s elevation to throne, Aristotle returned to Greece to found the Lyceum

  8. Aristotle’s Teaching • Wrote about everything from logic / reasoning to physical sciences • Focused on balancing between competing bad impulses (vices) to find virtue • Advocated continuous good behavior rather than specific good acts • Also emphasized situational ethics (what’s good at one time might not be in another)

  9. Influence of Aristotle • Most influential ancient Greek philosopher on Western thought • Considered “The Philosopher” by medieval western scholars • Also had profound influence on Muslim philosophers • His ideas and methodology were basis of Scientific Method Arabic Aristotle teaching (R)

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