1. Socrates Plato Aristotle
Greek Philosophers
Socrates
Plato
Aristotle

2. Philosopher: seeker of wisdom – using reason and logic
Socrates:
“What is the right thing to do?”
He believed that no one is above the law.
Wanted people to consider the true meaning of qualities such as justice and courage.
He wanted people to think about their beliefs.
“Know thyself” was his most important lesson.
He didn’t like democracy.
He came up with the Socratic Method -
He was accused of corrupting the youth and dishonoring the Gods.
He was sentenced to death and was forced to drink poison.
Plato:
Was one of Socrates’ followers. And wrote down Socrates ideas.
Plato felt that a democracy was not the most effective form of government, because the lower classes of people could not be trusted. thought that the higher classes, which were more educated, ought to be in charge.
He thought that society should be made up of 3 groups:
Workers
Soldiers
Philosophic rulers
Wrote a book called The Republic.
Started a school called The Academy.
Aristotle:
A student of Plato
Believed that reason should guide the pursuit of knowledge
Founded a school called The Lyceum
He didn’t believe in democracy.
He was the private tutor of Alexander the Great.
He wrote over 200 books in his life.
He built the world’s first zoo and developed a system of classifying animals that is still used today.

3. As for me, all I know is that I know nothing
As for me, all I know is that I know nothing. Socrates One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. Plato Happiness depends upon ourselves. Aristotle