Ancient Greek Philosophers

1. Ancient Greek Philosophers Wednesday April 2nd and Thursday April 3rd

2. 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: • Nature • Mathematics • Astronomy • Understanding the meaning of Justice and Courage • Understanding the way people think

3. 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 world • All things are made from water

4. 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

5. 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’ • Uncut able • Indestructible

6. Philosopher #3: Socrates • Known as the father of modern Philosophy • Socrates focused on intellectual philosophy rather than physical philosophy (past philosophers) • What is true wisdom • Who is truly wise • Was followed by Athens's youth • Convinced many to put aside their aspirations for jobs and instead focus on increasing their wisdom

7. Philosopher #3: Socrates • Socrates taught his students to think for themselves • No longer blindly believing elders and society • No longer believing in superstition and gods • Did not believe in social classes • Talked openly and equally to citizens, women and slaves

8. Philosopher #3: Socrates • Angered Athens’ elite • Not respecting their higher status • Not obeying social rules • ‘corrupting’ the minds of the youth • Dishonoring the gods • Socrates was put on trial • Found guilty • Given the death penalty • Socrates forced to drink Hemlock - poison

9. Philosopher #4: Plato • Born into the elite class • 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: • Socrates life, trial and death • Socrates’ teachings on law and how citizens should obey the law even if they disagree with it • Started an Academy in Athens

10. Philosopher #4: Plato • Wrote a book called The Republic • Plato considering what the world would look like if it was ruled by philosophers • Philosophers always striving for knowledge and looking inwards at who they are and what they believe (live rightly)

11. 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

12. Philosopher #5: Aristotle • Famous for being Alexander the Great’s tutor • Became close friends • Aided Alexander in political decisions • Seen to have a huge influence on Alexander’s rule • Afterwards started his own school in Athens called The Lyceum