Philosophy: Socrates Overview

Study Notes

The Big Three

Socrates (c. 469 - 399 BC)
- Labeled as "Athens' street-corner Philosopher"
- Son of a midwife and a sculptor, studied under Pericles
- Influenced by Heraclitus and Parmenides; developed the Socratic Method
  - Involves deep questioning to reveal truth, engaging at least two participants (inquirer and teacher)
- Did not document his philosophies; known through the works of others
Plato (c. 428/427 - 348/347 BC)
- Known as "The Philosopher who would be King," born Aristocles to a wealthy family
- Acclaimed champion wrestler with two prizes; studied Socrates
- His writings reflect Socratic teachings; "The Republic" advocates for philosophers as rulers
- Embraced dualism, viewing life as the soul imprisoned in a physical body
Aristotle (c. 384 - 322 BC)
- Renowned as Plato's best student, later became tutor to Alexander the Great
- Founded a philosophical school at age 50; identified as a peripatetic philosopher
  - Engaged in lecturing while walking, emphasizing active learning
- Authored numerous works, few survived; established the school of Logical Theory
  - Advocated the value of reason and introduced The Golden Mean, promoting moderation

Pre-Socratic Western Philosophy

Originated in Ancient Greece around the 6th century BC
Main concerns included identifying the fundamental substance of the universe and addressing the "Problem of Change"

Notable Pre-Socratic Philosophers

Thales of Miletus (c. 624/623 - 548/545 BC)
- Regarded as the first philosopher; theorized that water is the fundamental substance of the universe
Anaximanes of Miletus (c. 586 - c. 526 BC)
- Limited works survived; posited that air constitutes the essence of the universe
Heraclitus of Ephesus (c. 535 - c. 475 BC)
- Known for paradoxical philosophies, emphasized change as a fundamental universal element
- Suggested that fire is the basic substance of the universe
Anaximander (c. 610 - c. 546 BC)
- Student of Thales, possibly influenced Pythagoras
- First philosopher to document teachings; proposed "the infinite" as the source of all things
Pythagoras of Samos (c. 570 - c. 495 BC)
- Led a religious sect and posited that mathematics governs the fabric of reality
- His ideas significantly influenced Plato and Aristotle, shaping Western philosophical thought
Parmenides of Elea (Late 6th century - mid 5th century BC)
- Teacher of Zeno and Melissus, founder of either Metaphysics or Ontology
- Asserted that motion is an illusion, challenging notions of change
- His poem, On Nature, survives only through fragments, showcasing his complex reasoning skills

Description

Dive into the life and teachings of Socrates, the influential philosopher from ancient Athens. This quiz explores his background, the Socratic Method, and his impact on philosophy and education. Test your knowledge on this pivotal figure in Western thought.