1. The Three Most Famous Greek Philosophers Socrates Plato Aristotle

2. Socrates 469 - 399 B.C. Believed that an absolute truth existed and that all real knowledge was within each person. Believed that an absolute truth existed and that all real knowledge was within each person. Encouraged students to think & discover meaning. Encouraged students to think & discover meaning. Left no writings. Left no writings. Dialectic method Dialectic method Conversational Conversational Based upon reason and logic Based upon reason and logic

3. Socrates 469 - 399 B.C. Socratic Method: I. Admit ignorance. II. Never rely on tradition. III. Constantly question. IV. Create your own opinions. V. Test your opinions with others. “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

4. Plato 427 - 347 B.C. Socrates’ student – continued his work on the nature of man. Socrates’ student – continued his work on the nature of man. Ideal government would be led by philosopher kings. Ideal government would be led by philosopher kings. Wrote dialogues Wrote dialogues The Republic – most important The Republic – most important “Those things which are beautiful are also difficult.”

5. Aristotle 384 - 322 B.C. Most famous student of Plato / teacher of Alexander the Great Most famous student of Plato / teacher of Alexander the Great Developed Logic as a field of study; the “golden mean” – do nothing to excess Developed Logic as a field of study; the “golden mean” – do nothing to excess Created a complex system of classification Created a complex system of classification Used in biology Used in biology Views on Government Views on Government

6. Aristotle 384 - 322 B.C. Views on Government: Views on Government: 3 Good Governments: Monarchy Monarchy Aristocracy Aristocracy Democracy Democracy 3 Bad Governments: Tyranny Tyranny Oligarchy Oligarchy Mob Rule Mob Rule