Introduction to Greek Philosophy

Thinking characterized by imagination, intuition, and emotion, where reasoning takes a backseat. It prioritizes the cyclical nature of time and emphasizes stories that explain the world through divine actions and a fall from a golden age.

A way of understanding the world based on logic, evidence, and reason. It emphasizes causality, objectivity, and the ability to be falsified or supported by evidence.

The love of wisdom, a pursuit of knowledge that seeks to understand the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and human experience.

Ancient Greek philosophers who laid the foundation of Western philosophy by questioning the nature of the universe, matter, and existence.

According to Aristotle, the source of philosophical inquiry. The feeling of wonder or amazement at the world and its mysteries leads to questioning and seeking understanding.

A comprehensive view of the whole reality, aiming to understand interconnectedness and universal principles. It transcends departmentalized knowledge, seeking a holistic perspective.

The ability of philosophical explanations to be tested, revised, or refuted based on new evidence and insights. Unlike mythical explanations, they are open to change as our understanding evolves.

The process of providing evidence and logical reasoning to support a philosophical claim. Unlike mythical explanations relying on stories or divine interventions, philosophical reasoning demands justification and argumentation.

Philosophical problems are about general and universal questions, unlike specific problems in science or religion. They aim to understand fundamental concepts about existence, knowledge, morality, and reality.

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of reality, existence, and what is possible. It tackles questions like 'What is matter?', 'What kinds of things exist?', and 'What is the relationship between mind and body?'

Epistemology focuses on the nature of knowledge. It investigates how we acquire knowledge, what distinguishes true knowledge from mere belief, and what are the limits of human knowledge.

Logic is the study of correct reasoning and argumentation. It aims to develop rules and methods for distinguishing valid arguments from invalid ones and for assessing the soundness of reasoning.

Ethics deals with the moral principles that guide our actions. It explores questions concerning good and bad, right and wrong, justice and fairness, and the duties of individuals and societies.

The earliest Greek philosophers aimed to understand the origin and nature of the physical world. They sought to identify the fundamental principle or 'archê' from which all things arise.

Arche refers to the fundamental principle or origin of all things. It's the underlying substance or essence from which everything else is derived.

Reductionism is the view that complex phenomena can be explained by reducing them to simpler, more fundamental components. Monism is the belief that reality is fundamentally unified and can be explained by one single substance or principle. Naturalism is the worldview that all phenomena, including the mind and consciousness, are ultimately explicable in terms of natural laws and processes.

A process of questioning to uncover assumptions and refine thinking by challenging the validity of the premise.

To re-state a position or belief after it has been refined or challenged through questioning.

To start a new cycle of questioning and refinement after a premise has been re-stated.

To identify and analyze the evidence supporting a particular view or argument.

To understand and summarize someone's position or argument.

To listen attentively and absorb the premise, view, or argument presented by the other person.

A wrong way of thinking that can lead to faulty conclusions.

A basic assumption or belief that underlies a particular viewpoint or argument.

Thales' belief that water is the fundamental element from which everything originates.

A philosophical concept that refers to the underlying principle or origin of all things.

Heraclitus's philosophy based on the idea that everything is constantly changing and in flux.

A thought experiment that explores the question of identity and change; it asks if a ship that has had all of its parts replaced remains the same ship.

Paradoxes presented by Zeno of Elea that challenge the concept of motion and infinite divisibility.

Socrates' quest to find someone wiser than himself, which led him to realize that true wisdom lies in recognizing one's own ignorance.

The shift from relying on myths and traditional beliefs to seeking knowledge through reason, observation, and critical inquiry.

The belief that knowledge is essential for living a virtuous and meaningful life. True knowledge, particularly self-knowledge, is vital for making ethical decisions.

Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and impiety (not respecting the gods of the state). His teachings challenged traditional beliefs and authority, angering influential figures.

The first step in the Socratic method involves actively listening to the other person's viewpoint or argument, ensuring you understand their position before moving on.

The second step involves summarizing the person's viewpoint back to them, ensuring clarity and understanding of their perspective.

The final step involves asking for evidence and exploring the underlying assumptions and beliefs that support their argument.

The core goal of Socrates' inquiry was to seek truth and knowledge, especially regarding virtue and ethics. He aimed to help people realize their ignorance and guide them toward a more examined and virtuous life.

Socrates believed that understanding oneself and the world was crucial for a meaningful life. This understanding, he argued, guides us toward virtuous living and a higher quality of life.