1. Essential Question:
How did Greco-Roman political philosophy and monotheistic moral teachings influence the development of democratic values?

2. Key Achievements of the Greeks
Intellectual – Fostered a curious, independent spirit, that valued each individual human being.
Politics - Democracy was introduced in Athens
Philosophy – Through studies of man and nature , Greeks created a deep knowledge of human nature that would keep the interest of Western society through the ages.
(Ex: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle)
Sports - The Greeks gave us the model for the Olympic Games
Art – Paintings, architecture, and sculptures set the norms for most of the Western world since their time.
(ex: Parthenon & Acropolis)
Astronomy – Greeks were the first people who made accurate predictions based only on the human eye
Science & Math – First society to find and document common elements and patterns in the natural world.

3. Road to Democracy Solon introduces limited democracy to Athens
created 4 classes of citizens (based on wealth not heredity)
only 1/10th of country considered “citizens”
Cleisthenes advances democracy
attempted to break up the power of nobility (still hold majority of power-counsels king)
all citizens could participate
Council of 500: democratically chosen, rather than by heredity, only top three classes of property owners could participate and citizens over the age of 30
Pericles introduces direct democracy
his rule known as Greek’s “Golden Age”
Set up social welfare for the poor
$$$- effect of giving people a wage?
Greater participation leads to direct democracy
Merit vs. wealth

4. 3 Greek Philosophers who: Respected human intelligence
Socrates
B.C.E.
3 Greek Philosophers who:
Respected human intelligence
Had faith in an individuals ability to seek truth by applying reason and logic
Influenced each other, Athens and the future of Western Civilization
Aristotle
B.C.E.
Plato
B.C.E.

5. Greek Philosophers and the search for truth
Lovers of wisdom based on two assumptions
1. the universe is put together in an orderly way and subject to absolute and unchanging laws determined by nature not man. Natural laws are universal, not based on status, heredity, or sex/gender. Natural law as it relates to human behavior comes from (hu)mankind’s ability to analyze ideas of morality and rights not from the state or God(s)

6. 2. Natural law as it relates to human behavior comes from (hu)mankind’s ability to analyze ideas of morality and rights not from the state or God(s)
People can understand these laws through logic and reason
3. great! but what is the down side?

7. Socrates Question Authority? 470 BC–399 BC
foundation for Western philosophy
Critical thinker, devoted life to the discovery of Truth and moral thought and character
A man of reason who obeys a moral righteousness.
Founded the Socratic Method that lead to the Scientific Method
Strength of individual and collective group was in dialogue, questioning people’s thoughts– free thinkers and sharing ideas. Use logic and reason to question one’s own thoughts
No written work left by him, all knowledge of him is second-hand
Pushed students/scholars to open their minds to new ideas and question the “norm” (status quo) _- Why???????
Older people of authority and parents did not like Socrates’ method of questioning and thought that he was corrupting the youth and interfering with religion
Morally right action can sometimes go against the church and state
Forced to drink hemlock and died

8. Greek Legacy Set enduring precedents for Western Civilization
Developed Direct Democracy
Empowered the “individual” citizen
Advanced art, philosophy & science
Promoted a meritocracy vs. aristocracy
Developed 3-branches of Government
Encouraged questioning of authority
Question one’s self- the search for truth-question the world around
Heavily influenced the Roman Empire