ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHERS

Philosophers - “Lovers of Wisdom”

Philosophers are people who question the world around them seeking answers to life’s questions and seeking “truths” of the world.

Greek Philosophers

• After the Peloponnesian War, Athenians grew critical of democracy and questioned the ways of the world

• Core Beliefs of Greek Philosophers:

1. The Universe is orderly; there are “universal laws” that apply to everything and do not change over time.

2. People can learn to understand these laws by applying reason and logic.

Socrates • Believed natural laws about truth and justice existed

• Encouraged others to question themselves and their morals and to seek knowledge

• Accused (and convicted)

of “corrupting the youth”

with his ideas – sentenced

to death

Plato

• Socrates’ student• Legacy: Writer of The Republic. • Believed states should have three classes:

1. Artisan/farmer class

2. Warriors

3. Ruling class

• Philosopher-kings,

the enlightened ones,

should rule

Aristotle

• Plato’s student• Questioned how the world works, human’s beliefs, thoughts, and knowledge.

ARTIFACT ANALYSIS