1. WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? WHO WAS SOCRATES? PA @ 71

2. OBJECTIVES SWBAT define philosophy and identify Socrates as a leader in Greek philosophy. SWBAT understand Socrates’ method through a differentiated version of a primary document.

3. Do Now: Choose one of the following: Can you ever know everything? Why/Why not? Is it important to study questions with no answers? Why/Why not?

4. What is Philosophy? Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. Philosophers ask the “big questions”, questions with no right or wrong answers. As we analyze the “big questions”, we gain a better understanding of ourselves and our world.

5. What are the “big questions”? Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going? What makes a person good or bad? What is government? At your groups, come up with your own “big questions.”

6. Socrates (470-399 BCE) On the streets of Athens, Socrates was an ugly, dirty old man with bare feet, asking questions and challenging anyone he encountered on the street. This dirty old man was the most important single person in the history of philosophy.

7. Socrates (470-399 BCE) Socrates questioned himself, the world around him and challenged his fellow Athenians to do the same. It made him a very controversial figure— and led to his trial and death.

8. Activity We are going to read a dialogue written by Plato, one of Socrates’ students. As you read along, answer these questions: 1.What does Socrates care about? 2.What is Socrates willing to give up for his beliefs? 3.How would most Athenians feel about Socrates’ beliefs?