What Is Philosophy?

Why were the Greeks “the fathers of philosophy?

Greek Philosophers

Greek Philosophers

Philosophers – “lovers of wisdom”

Sophists – “workers of wisdom” – Teachers

The Three Most Famous Philosophers

Socrates Plato Aristotle

Socrates469 - 399 B.C.

Dialectic method ConversationalBased upon reason and logic

Popular among the youth/students (Plato)

Placed on trial for impiety and corrupting the youth

Was executed in 399 – drank poison hemlock

Socrates469 - 399 B.C.

Socratic Method:I. Admit ignorance.II. Never rely on tradition.III. Continuously question.IV. Formulate your own

opinions.V. Test your opinions with

others.

Socrates469 - 399 B.C.

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Plato427 - 347 B.C.

Preserved the work of Socrates

Founded the Academy

Wrote dialogues The Republic – most

important dialogue

Aristotle384 - 322 B.C.

Most famous student of Plato

Most famous teacher of Alexander the Great

Developed Logic as a field of study

Aristotle384 - 322 B.C.

Views on Government

Good Governments: Monarchy Aristocracy Democracy

Bad Governments: Tyranny Oligarchy Mob Rule

Aristotle384 - 322 B.C.

“All things in moderation”

“Man is by nature a political animal.”

Hippocrates460-377 B.C.

Founded a school of medicine

Rejected that sickness comes from the gods

“Holistic” healing Hygiene Diet Curative powers of nature

The Hippocratic Oath