Greece classical period Flashcards
What were philosophers concerned with ?
Explanations of natural events
Rational reasons not via divine
Sophists
Teachers claimed they can teach wisdom. (Public speaking)
No universal truth- truth is relative.
Primarily working in Athens
Skills are In demand because it was a democracy and anyone could run for office
Demos is the lower branch this being able to speak well was a demand making public speaking necessary
What did sophists say about truth?
They said there is no objective truth that it is relative
The truth is relative to each individual
If you have good sophisy (convincing) then it could be true. You just have to convince people.
Who criticized sophists?
Socrates
Socrates
No writing of his own only through this student Plato
Opens up the academy
Socrates and Plato’s view on truth was truth is universal, eternal and pre-existent.
Socratic method
Education: how to effectively educate someone.
They view ignorance of disease of mind and soul
You teach them why they are ignorant with evidence then helps the person become educated
Philosophical king
Someone who is truly educated should rule. Only those who know the truth
Plato
Believe that democracy is wrongs
Blames democracy for killing his teacher
Believes in a government of people with arete
Aristotle
Lives towards the end of classical period.
One of Plato’s great students at the academy.
Most notable student Alexander the Great
Aristotle’s academy
Lyceum
The politics
Aristotle says all three governments can work any government can be ideal if it meets criteria.
Should have a large middle class
Looking after interest of whole
Education should be public
