Ancient Greek Philosophers

Wednesday April 2nd andThursday April 3rd

Philosophy• Philosophers are people who

believe that their knowledge and wisdom could be used to understand the world around them

• Did not believe the gods and goddesses were the causes of natural events

• There were many Ancient Greek philosophers who focused on studying:o Natureo Mathematicso Astronomyo Understanding the meaning

of Justice and Courageo Understanding the way

people think

Philosopher #1: Thales

• Known for his work in astronomy, geometry and his study in nature

• Accurately predicted a solar eclipse

• Believed that water was the basic material of the worldo All things are made

from water

Philosopher #2: Democritus

• Known as the ‘laughing philosopher’ due to the importance that he put on cheerfulness

• First to look at the stars and believe that there may be more universes and more worlds that sustain life

• Mostly famous for his work in science

Philosopher #2: Democritus

• Suggested that all things in the world, living beings included, were made from very small particles

• He called these small particles ‘atoms’o Uncut able o Indestructible

Philosopher #3: Socrates

• Known as the father of modern Philosophy

• Socrates focused on intellectual philosophy rather than physical philosophy (past philosophers)o What is true wisdomo Who is truly wise

• Was followed by Athens's youtho Convinced many to put

aside their aspirations for jobs and instead focus on increasing their wisdom

Philosopher #3: Socrates

• Socrates taught his students to think for themselveso No longer blindly believing elders and societyo No longer believing in superstition and gods

• Did not believe in social classeso Talked openly and equally to citizens, women and slaves

Philosopher #3: Socrates

• Angered Athens’ eliteo Not respecting their

higher statuso Not obeying social ruleso ‘corrupting’ the minds

of the youtho Dishonoring the gods

• Socrates was put on trial o Found guilty o Given the death penalty

• Socrates forced to drink Hemlock - poison

Philosopher #4: Plato• Born into the elite class

o Expect to pursue a political career

• Was a follower and student of Socrates

• After Socrates death, put together an accurate history of Socrates and his lessons

• wrote plays about:o Socrates life, trial and deatho Socrates’ teachings on law

and how citizens should obey the law even if they disagree with it

• Started an Academy in Athens

Philosopher #4: Plato• Wrote a book called

The Republico Plato considering what

the world would look like if it was ruled by philosophers

o Philosophers always striving for knowledge and looking inwards at who they are and what they believe (live rightly)

Philosopher #5: Aristotle

• Known for his scientific examination of human knowledge

• Also considered a master in biology, politics, metaphysics, agriculture, literature, botany, medicine, mathematics, physics, ethics, logic and theater

Philosopher #5: Aristotle

• Famous for being Alexander the Great’s tutoro Became close friendso Aided Alexander in

political decisionso Seen to have a huge

influence on Alexander’s rule

• Afterwards started his own school in Athens called The Lyceum