Ancient Greek Philosophers

• The notes cover notable ancient Greek philosophers and essential characteristics of philosophers.

Thales of Miletus

• The first philosopher in the Greek tradition and one of the Seven Sages/Wise Men of ancient Greece
• Considered the father of science
• Broke away from using mythology to explain the world and the universe
• Instead, he offered naturalistic theories and hypotheses to explain natural objects and phenomena
• Founded the Ionian School of philosophy
• Hypothesized that the originating principle of nature and matter was water

Heraclitus

• Philosopher from Ephesus
• His central philosophical idea is the unity of opposites
• A notable application of this idea was to the concept of impermanence
• "No man ever steps in the same river twice." This is also referred to as the doctrine of flux.

Socrates

• Founder of Western philosophy
• Teacher of Plato
• Known as the "Father of Western Philosophy"
• Believed the only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing
• Best known for his Socratic Method

Plato

• Student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle
• Founded the Platonic Academy, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world
• Believed the soul is immortal, even when the physical ceases to exist
• Plato's Epistemology relates knowledge, truths beliefs, and propositions

Aristotle

• Student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great
• His school, the Lyceum emphasized mathematics and political philosophy
• Advanced deductive and inductive logic
• Considered the father of Western Logic
• Defines logic at the art and method of correct thinking

St. Augustine of Hippo

• Aurelius Augustinus, a Christian philosopher
• Believed the fundamental goal is the happiness of all human beings
• Believed that happiness is the finest virtue found in God
• Believed everything is connected with God

St. Thomas Aquinas

• San Tommaso d'Aquino was the greatest Theologian of the Roman Catholic Church
• Maintained the highest perfection and happiness for man exists beyond temporal life, due to the immortality of the human soul

Rene Descartes

• French philosopher, scientist, and mathematician
• Known as the Father of Modern Western Philosophy
• Believed the mind and body are distinct but closely joined

Essential Characteristics of Philosophers

• Qualities include curiosity, being dynamic, independence, determination, doubtfulness, reasoning, logic, humility, teachability, and a sense of wonder

Notes on 3 notable Greek Philosophers: Thales, Heraclitus and Socrates. Thales is considered the first philosopher in the Greek tradition, Heraclitus is known for his doctrine of flux and Socrates is regarded as the founder of Western philosophy.