Lesson 3: History of Philosophy

Philosophical Historical Periods (AMMC)

• Ancient philosophy focuses on the world or cosmos.
• Medieval philosophy emphasizes God or the absolute being.
• Modern philosophy centers on the self.
• Contemporary philosophy explores the concept of others.

Ancient Greece Overview

• Early beliefs attributed events to supernatural stories involving gods and goddesses.
• Gradual distrust in myths led to a desire for rational explanations.
• Greeks sought the arche, which signifies the origin or underlying principle of existence.

Presocratic Philosophers

• Thales: Advocated that all things are composed of water; first to predict a solar eclipse; connected to the "seven sages" of Greece.
• Anaximander: Introduced the concept of Apeiron (the boundless); first metaphysician and father of cosmology; published the first world map.
• Anaximenes: Proposed air (through rarefaction and condensation) as the basic substance of matter.
• Heraclitus: Known for the unity of opposites; emphasized that change is the only constant (symbolized by fire).
• Pythagoras: Renowned mathematician; known for the Pythagorean theorem; posited that numbers constitute the essence of all things.

Classical Greek Philosophy

• Socrates: Lacked written works; faced execution for allegedly corrupting youth and impiety; famous for the Socratic method and ethical inquiries.
• Plato: Student of Socrates; introduced the theory of forms and authored "The Republic" and the "Allegory of the Cave."
• Aristotle: A student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great; founded the Lyceum; known for virtue ethics and the concept of the Golden Mean in "Nicomachean Ethics."

Aristotle's Concept of Eudaimonia

• Eudaimonia represents ultimate happiness through virtuous living.
• Key virtues include:
  • Courage: Balancing fear in rational ways.
  • Temperance: Practicing self-control and moderation.
  • Wisdom: Seeking practical wisdom or prudence (Phronesis).
  • Justice: Pursuing impartial judgment, including distributive and corrective justice.

Medieval Philosophers

• St. Augustine: Promoted the idea of Divine Illumination, emphasizing the mind's need for enlightenment.
• St. Thomas Aquinas: Known for the concept of exitus et reditus, relating to the creation and return to God.

Modern Philosophers

• Notable figures include René Descartes, John Locke, and David Hume.

Contemporary Philosophers

• Key thinkers include Martin Buber, Edmund Husserl, and Martin Heidegger.

This quiz covers the four historical periods of philosophy, including Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary thought. Delve into how philosophical ideas evolved from the ancient cosmology of Greece to contemporary views on the self and others. Test your understanding of key concepts and transitions in philosophical thought throughout history.