1. Aim: Understanding the Philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

2. Greek Philosophers Search for Truth
After Peloponnesian War, Athenians lost confidence in democratic government and questioned their value
Philosophers (Lovers of Wisdom) base their philosophy on 2 assumptions
1) The Universe (land, sky, and sea) is put together in an orderly way and subject to absolute and unchanging laws.
2) People can understand these laws through logic and reason. 2

3. Socrates Socrates was critic of Sophists
Sophists questioned people’s beliefs and ideas about justice and values
Socrates was critic of Sophists
Believed that absolute standards did exist for truth and justice
Encouraged Greeks to question themselves and moral character
399 BCE- Socrates brought to trial for “Corrupting the youth of Athens”
Condemned to death 3

4. Plato
Student of Socrates
Wrote The Republic
Most famous work
His vision of a perfect governed society
In ideal society, all citizens would fall naturally into 3 groups:
1) Farmers and artisans
2) Warriors
3) Ruling class 4

5. Aristotle
Questioned the nature of the world and of human belief, thought, and knowledge
Invented method for arguing according to rules of logic
Work provides basis of the Scientific Method used today
Most famous pupil: Alexander 5