Socrates: Founder of Western Philosophy

Study Notes

Socrates

Greek philosopher from Athens, founder of Western philosophy and early moral philosophy.
Famous quote: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Believed in a dual nature of the self: the physical and ideal realms.
The physical realm is changeable and imperfect; the ideal realm is unchanging, eternal, and immortal.
Proposed the concept of the soul as the true self, which is an immortal entity.
Suggested death is either an afterlife or an eternal sleep.
Emphasized living an examined life focused on wisdom, virtue, and self-knowledge.
Argued that a meaningful and happy life requires an individual to strive for virtue through soul-searching.

Plato

Student of Socrates, continued the exploration of the self as synonymous with the soul.
Introduced the tripartite soul model: reason, physical appetite, and spirit/passion.
Founded the “academe,” a precursor to modern academic institutions.
Appetitive Soul: Driven by desire and the need for self-satisfaction.
Spirited Soul: Related to strong emotions and desires for honor and recognition.
Rational Soul: Responsible for conscious awareness, reasoning, analyzing, and decision-making.
Believed in maintaining balance among the three elements through rational control for genuine happiness.

Aristotle

Prominent student of Plato who diverged from Plato's theories, particularly regarding the self.
Defined humans as “rational animals,” emphasizing the thinking aspect of humanity.
Described the soul as the principle of life, applicable to all living beings.
Argued that plants and animals also possess souls, as they have the capacity to grow, reproduce, and sustain themselves.

Description

Explore the life and philosophy of Socrates, a pivotal figure in Western thought. This quiz delves into his concepts of the self and the distinction between the physical and ideal realms. Understand his enduring impact on ethics and philosophy.