Philosophy: Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle

Study Notes

Ancient Greek Philosophers

Plato (424-347 B.C.) was influenced by Socrates (470-399 B.C.), a humble sophist who sought to understand what is true and permanent through dialogues.

Socratic Dialogues and Legacy

Plato wrote Socratic dialogues, adding his own interpretations, which became foundational for nativism and rationalism.
Socrates' dialogues aimed to appreciate what is true and permanent.

The Academy and Aristotle

Plato established the Academy in Athens, a center for higher learning.
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) became Plato's top pupil at the Academy.
After Plato's death, Aristotle became the first great proponent of empiricism, believing true knowledge comes from sensory experiences.

Ancient Greek Context

Around 500 B.C., Athens became a democracy.
Greeks were proud of their language and called non-Greek speakers 'barbaros'.
They coined important words like 'logos' and 'philosophia'.

Thales and Early Philosophy

Thales (624-546 B.C.) was famous for accurate astronomical and meteorological observations.
Thales believed water was the most important element.

Concept of Psyche

The original meaning of psyche was 'breath', present in the living but absent in the dead.
The Latin translation for psyche was anima (animated).

Socrates' Life

Socrates married Xanthippe and had three sons.
He abandoned his stone-cutting profession to become an itinerant teacher.
His famous students were Plato and Xenophon (430-354 B.C.).
At 70, Socrates was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock poison.

Description

Explore the relationship between Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle, and their contributions to philosophy. Learn about the Socratic dialogues, the Academy in Athens, and the influence of these philosophers on nativism and rationalism.