6.59 Greek Philosophers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

philosopher

A person who searches for wisdom, truth, or knowledge; a lover of wisdom; a person who regulates his or her life by the light of reason

Socrates

Known as the Father of Western Philosophy. A great thinker who believed that people must never stop looking for knowledge. He taught by asking students questions about human qualities such as love and courage. When his students answered, he would challenge their answers with more questions. He developed the Socratic Method. He eventually was sentenced to death for having people to question their own beliefs including the authority of of the gods and goddesses.

importance of the Greek philosophers

Philosophers were well honored in Athens. People listened to them and followed their advice. Today, people still admire Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle for their teachings which are at the root of our modern day philosophies and sciences.

Socratic Method

Philosophical method of questioning to gain truth; way of teaching developed by Socrates that used a question-and-answer format to force students to use their reason to see things for themselves

logic

The process of making inferences. Using facts to figure out new facts.

philosophy

The study of knowledge; the love of wisdom; a set of values by which one lives

three Greek philosophers lived...

c. 400s to 300s B.C. in Athens

Aristotle

A student of Plato who was a great Greek thinker and philosopher. He taught that people should live a life of moderation, or balance. He said that people should not be greedy nor give away all of their possessions, but that they should find a balance between the two extremes. He also stated that moderation came from reason and that people should think about their actions and how they will affect others. He made great advances in the field of logic.

Plato

A student of Socrates who became a teacher and philosopher. He created a school called the Academy where students, philosophers, and scientists would go to study and discuss ideas. He wrote many works including "The Republic," which describes how Plato wanted a society ran by philosophers that was based on justice and fairness to everyone.

reason

Clear and ordered thinking. Logical thinking.