Philosophy: Socrates and His Influence

Study Notes

Socrates (c. 469 - 399 BC), known as "Athens' street-corner Philosopher," was born to a midwife and a sculptor.
He studied under Pericles and was influenced by Heraclitus and Parmenides.
Developed the Socratic Method, a form of inquiry using follow-up questions to uncover deeper truths, requiring at least two participants (inquirer and intriguers).
Did not leave any written works of his philosophy.
Plato (c. 428/427 - 348/347 BC), referred to as "The Philosopher who would be King," was originally named Aristocles and came from a wealthy family.
He was a champion wrestler and studied under Socrates, reflecting Socratic teachings in his writings.
His renowned work, "The Republic," asserted that philosophers should govern as kings.
Possibly held dualistic beliefs, viewing life as the soul's imprisonment in the body.
Aristotle (c. 384 - 322 BC), known as "A Long walk to the Golden Mean," was the exceptional student of Plato.
Became the tutor of Alexander the Great and founded his philosophical school at age 50.
Recognized as a peripatetic philosopher, engaging in lectures while walking.
Authored numerous works, of which only a few survive; established the school of Logical Theory.
Proposed The Golden Mean concept, advocating for moderation and avoidance of extremes.

Originated in Ancient Greece around the 6th century BC.
Focused on identifying the fundamental substances of the universe without supernatural explanations.
Explored the "Problem of Change," questioning how transformations occur between different forms.

Thales of Miletus (c. 624/623 - 548/545 BC):
- Recognized as the first proper philosopher, suggested water as the core substance of the universe.
Anaximander of Miletus (c. 586 - c. 526 BC):
- Most works are lost; only known through references by Aristotle, proposed air as the universe's substance.
Heraclitus of Ephesus (c. 535 - c. 475 BC):
- Known as "The Obscure" or "The Weeping Philosopher," emphasized the inevitability of change and posited fire as the fundamental element.
Anaximander (c. 610 - c. 546 BC):
- Thales' student and possibly Pythagoras' teacher, first known to write his teachings, proposed "the infinite" as the universe's source.
Pythagoras of Samos (c. 570 - c. 495 BC):
- Led a religious sect; believed reality is governed by mathematics; influenced Plato and Aristotle significantly.
Parmenides of Elea (Late 6th century - mid 5th century BC):
- Teacher of Zeno and Melissus, founder of either Metaphysics or Ontology, argued that motion is an illusion, wielding complex reasoning against change.
- His poem "On Nature" serves as the last fragmentary evidence of his teachings.