Throughout history there have been many philosophers that have contributed to the way we view the world today. Although each philosopher’s way of thinking was unique, their ideas would usually derive from a previous philosopher. Greek philosophers are especially the most well known by today’s society. Where would we be without the theories of Socrates, Plato, or Aristotle? Although some of their theories may not be correct, they still made us raise questions about the world we live in and come up with answers that we rely on today. Mathematics, physics, and evolution are just a few subjects of the many that we would have little knowledge about without the theories of these ancient Greek philosophers.
The Ionian awakening in the 6th century
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Unlike Socrates, Plato did have many writing. Because of Socrates influence, he was often the main character in a lot of Plato’s writing. For example, in one of his dialogues called The Republic, he describes the idea of government and creates an ideal state to show Socrates’ principle of specialization. “Plato considers at length the ways in which the lives of the unjust are inferior to those of the just, where these ways include, but are not limited to the frustrations born of their individual patterns of implementation failure” (Bobonich & Destree 94). His ideal society consisted of three classes: producers, auxiliaries, and guardians. Producers were usually craftsman, farmers, and artisans. Auxiliaries were warriors and guardians were rulers. He believed that each of the classes should perform only the duties that fit their societal role because that is the position in which nature had put them. “…More plentiful and better-quality goods are more easily produced if each person does one thing for which he is naturally suited, does it at the right time, and is released from having to do any of the others” (Plato). He thought that if everyone stuck to his or her role and didn’t interfere with another social class, the government would work a lot …show more content…
Stoicism was one of the three, which was founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens. He believed that philosophy was not a person but how a person behaved. Stoics taught that people with morals would not suffer from emotions because they were an error in judgment. It was very important for them to remind themselves of what they could control and what they couldn’t. They knew they could control their own thoughts and beliefs and felt that if they focused their attention to their beliefs and thoughts then they would be more prepared for what the world threw at them. We could all learn something from stoicism. Because it was built in very tough times, it taught people that regardless of what was going on in the world, you could still control you inner feelings and go on with you day. The inner you could be happy even if your surroundings are
In Walter Mosley’s Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned, the reader is introduced to Socrates Fortlow, an ex-convict who served twenty-seven years for murder and rape. Fortlow is plagued by guilt and, seeing the chaos in his town, feels a need to improve not only his own standards of living, but also those of others in Watts. He attempts this by teaching the people in Watts the lessons he feels will resolve the many challenges the neighbourhood faces. The lessons Fortlow teaches and the methods by which he teaches them are very similar to those of the ancient Greek philosopher for whom Fortlow was named: “‘We was poor and country. My mother couldn’t afford school so she figured that if she named me after somebody smart then maybe I’d get smart’” (Mosley, 44). Though the ancient Greek was born to be a philosopher and Fortlow assumed the philosopher role as a response to the poor state of his life and Watts, both resulted in the same required instruction to their populations. The two Socrates’ both utilize a form of teaching that requires their pupil to become engaged in the lesson. They emphasize ethics, logic, and knowledge in their instruction, and place importance on epistemology and definitions because they feel a problem cannot be solved if one does not first know what it is. Socrates was essential in first introducing these concepts to the world and seemed to be born with them inherent to his being, Fortlow has learned the ideals through life experience and is a real-world application in an area that needs the teachings to get on track. While the two men bear many similarities, their differences they are attributed primarily as a result of their circumstances provide the basis of Fortlow’s importance in Watts and as a modern-...
Plato’s character in “The Ring of Gyges” is trying to convey certain points about human nature and wisdom. In Glaucon’s fictional story, Gyges is a shepherd who stumbles upon a mysterious ring which allows him the power to become invisible. Gyges eventually gives up his lowly life as a shepherd and becomes an authoritative and crooked dictator due to the power of the ring. Glaucon’s main point in this story is that people are inherently immoral and will look out for themselves over the good of others. Due to his assumption about the nature of the human race Glaucon proclaims that in order to keep human’s from causing damage to others our social order should emphasize a government that will contain their constituents. Glaucon’s proposed social order became the building blocks of the social contract theory of government; “People in a society mutually agreeing not to harm one another and setting up sanctions when they do,” (Caste, 2014).
...y thinks, but is greatly influenced by the society’s conflicts and the mindsets of its people. In the case of Plato and Epictetus, the philosophies that they came up with were formed by the loss of faith in the system of government, life as a slave, and personal experiences in exile. These experiences helped these philosophers to create a set of guidelines that got them through their ordeals and live out the rest of their lives. In understanding these works, we are able to understand how historical events and ideas of the time helped to lead history down the path that it did. Following the change in thought and how different philosophies develop in different environments also allows use to gauge how conditions improve or decline over time. Being able to see the patterns in the past may very well help us predict whether life in the future will flourish or decline.
Socrates: A Gift To The Athenians As Socrates said in Apology by Plato, “...the envy and detraction of the world, which has been the death of many good men, and will probably be the death of many more…”(Philosophical Texts, 34) Throughout history, many leaders have been put to death for their knowledge. In Apology, Socrates- soon to be put to death- says he was placed in Athens by a god to render a service to the city and its citizens. Yet he will not venture out to come forward and advise the state and says this abstention is a condition on his usefulness to the city.
Socrates was a revolutionary thinker. He brought new ideas and processes of thought to Athenian society and his work still has its place in the world today. However during his time, his ideas were not always thought of as a good thing. Many viewed him as a corrupting influence on other people and accused him of forcing his ideas upon others. Perhaps most frequently the center of controversy was his thoughts on theocracy and piety as seen in the Plato’s Euthyphro. Socrates also appears at the butt end of Aristophanes’ comedy Clouds, where he is satirically ridiculed and seemingly corrupting the youth of Athens in his school, the Thinkery. Although virtually completely seen as a positive influence now, in ancient times, Socrates may have done more harm than good for his society.
The Ancient Greek contribution ranged by the 1900-133 BC, however its influence on the Western Literate Society lasts to this day. As the Greeks expanded their empire, they spread their ideas to other countries, while also borrowing from other cultures. During this period of time, the Greeks made many significant and long-lasting contribution to our modern culture in Philosophy, Art, Democracy, Drama, Math, and Science. These givings of important ideas, inventions, and structures have had an extraordinary influence on the surrounding environment, society, and in the future. The essential contribution of Greeks to the Western Civilization are Democracy, Art, and Philosophy.
Stoicism was popularized by the Roman elite of the Late Republic, and it appealed to the elites especially because it provided teachings on how to deal with strife. During the civil war between Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar and the resulting power vacuum after Caesar's assassination, the chaos and violence caused a desire for an...
Aristotle disagrees with his teacher, Plato in numerous ways, one of which is based on the concept of the “good.” While Socrates and Plato both believe in a highest Form of the “good” Aristotle believes that the Good is that which all things aim. However, some aims are only good instrumentally, such as money, so the ultimate Good must be something that is good in and of itself. What is the means of reaching this Good however; what allows us to pursue the highest Good? It seems to Aristotle that science is the answer. Science charges the rationality in human beings in order to perpetuate the actions that will lead us to happiness and he further extends this to say that political science must be the highest science that can be wrought. Political science is the science of running a state and further this is the means with which we dictate all else; therefore it is the highest science because it pursues the highest goals in everything that we do. This science is that which determines all other subordinate ends and hence, is made to be the highest means of reaching the highest end. Statesmen and political figures work to attain a good life for all and therefore represent the good of all humankind. However, what then is the highest Good to which political science now aims? In Aristotelian terms, happiness is the best good that deals as an all-inclusive end, or goal. We pursue political science in order to master this goal. Following this logic; we say that there is a highest goal to which we all aim, this goal is that of the highest science. The highest science is political science and it seeks the happiness of all others; therefore happiness is the highest Good to which we aim.
As students file into the auditorium of the Academy the first thing that we all notice is the two professors that were standing at the front of the room. After all the students were seated that is when the first professor stepped forward to address the class. Plato: Good Morning Students! Students: Good Morning Professor! Plato: Many of you may know who I am and then there are those of you that do not. For those of you that do not know who I am, my name is Plato. I founded this Academy in 387 and it is the first of its kind (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platonic_Academy). I have studied under many great philosophers. After Plato got done speaking he stepped back and the professor standing to the left of him stepped forward and addressed the class. Aristotle: Good Morning Student! Students: Good Morning Professor! Aristotle: Like Plato there are many of you that know me and there are those of you that do not. So I will introduce myself to those of you that do not know me. My name is Aristotle. I was a
...g the way for science and logic to correctly explain the details of the world. Aristotle supposed that there must ultimately be some explanation for its present existence and activity. Many generations of Western philosophers, especially those concerned with reconciling Christian doctrine with philosophy, would explicitly defend a similar view. Today, philosophers of various stripes continue to look to Aristotle for guidance and inspiration in many different areas, ranging from the philosophy of mind to theories of the infinite, though perhaps Aristotle's influence is seen most overtly and avowedly in the resurgence of virtue ethics which began in the last half of the twentieth century. His theories involving matter being unable to be created out of thin air and thoughts on metaphysics ruptured previous ideas believed before him and paved the way into modern beliefs.
... educated to become the best in the state. Aristotle’s ideal state only consists of free men, who choose a government to suit the personalized state, however, Plato structures the ideal state down to the last detail.
How would you feel if someone called you a sophist? Before you answer, it's important to know how the meaning of this word has evolved. "During the fifth century, sophists were teachers, speakers, and philosophers who were paid to use rhetoric (Mardner 1)." But many people opposed their style of teaching. Socrates was a philosopher who disagreed with the Sophist's point-of-view. The main differences between the Sophist and Socrates were their views on absolute truth.
Extraordinary achievements have been made through ancient civilizations. Philosophers that have changed the way we look at things every day came from the ancient Greek world, especially during the prosperous Golden Age of Athens, Greece. Aristotle, a famous philosopher, taught his philosophy during this period of time in Greece. Using his intellect and astounding ideas, Aristotle created a legacy that influenced people for ages.
His opinion on life was that all people should live a fair and happy life. After many attempts of forming the perfect government, his facts allowed him to believe that a perfect government could be formed only by those who have a middle class. The middle class would consist of those who were not rich, yet not poor. Both Aristotle and Plato had different thoughts on the division of the government. Aristotle claimed to believe that a government should consist of many classes for the protection of the people and the state.
Philosophy can be defined as the pursuit of wisdom or the love of knowledge. Socrates, as one of the most well-known of the early philosophers, epitomizes the idea of a pursuer of wisdom as he travels about Athens searching for the true meaning of the word. Throughout Plato’s early writings, he and Socrates search for meanings of previously undefined concepts, such as truth, wisdom, and beauty. As Socrates is often used as a mouthpiece for Plato’s ideas about the world, one cannot be sure that they had the same agenda, but it seems as though they would both agree that dialogue was the best way to go about obtaining the definitions they sought. If two people begin on common ground in a conversation, as Socrates often tries to do, they are far more likely to be able to civilly come to a conclusion about a particular topic, or at least further their original concept.