Greek Philosophers

Ryan Comper

Ws102-01

9-2-12

The ancient Greeks built the first well established western civilizations. With this came the first of the well known philosophers and writers. Of these were Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. These men have made lasting impressions on our western culture. Many of their teachings are still very applicable to our modern world. They established many of the principles civilization is based on today. 

Socrates was a classical Athenian Greek philosopher. He was known primarily for his students and for his work in the field of ethics but one of his greatest contributions is Socratic Method. Socratic Method uses a series of questions to distill the answer down to a specific point. This is most commonly used today in Scientific Method starting with the hypothesis. Socrates also established Socratic Paradoxes. They are as follows:

1. No one desires evil.
2. No one errs or does wrong willingly or knowingly.
3. Virtue-all virtue- is knowledge.
4. Virtue is sufficient for happiness.

These also sum up his philosophical beliefs which are contrary to common sense. Socrates was eventually a martyr for his beliefs. He was forced to either renounce what he believed or drink hemlock. He chose the latter. 

Plato was one of Socrates’s student and was therefore influenced by his teachings. In fact most of his work was basically a continuation of Socrates’s. He established the Academy to teach his master’s ways. He was known mostly as a writer, having written the Socratic Dialogues and his master piece “The Republic”. He like his teacher was a radical for his time. 

Aristotle was more concerned with math and science than philosophy. He made quantum leaps in physics, geology and biology. He was the first to identify the five elements, advanced Hellenistic medicine, and was the first to arrange the classification of living things. He also was the first to really make philosophy practical through linking it to things like politics and ethics. Of all the philosophers one could argue he was the best. 

Video on all philosophers