Ancient Greek Philosophy

Ancient-greek-philosophy – Ancient Greek philosophy One of the most valuable intellectual heritages is the intellectual tradition of Ancient Greece. Ancient Greek philosophy started in the ancient Greek region of about 6th century BC and have helped in forming the principles of Western philosophy, science,Politics, logic,Ethics… These philosophers pondered the world, existence, life, justice, and reality as if trying to figure it out using observation and logic without mythological narratives.

Start of Greek philosophy

The first Greek philosophers, who had to understand the working of the natural world were called Pre-Socratic philosophers, who started to question existence by moving from myths towards logical examination. Some examples are:-Thales-the father of philosophy believed in water, he considered it the primordial substance.-Heraclitus-he said nothing remains constant in our world.-Pythagoras-philosopher who linked philosophy and mathematics with harmony.

The Greek Philosopher – Socrates

One of the most important philosophers in history, especially Western culture wasSocrates who thought deeply of the moral philosophy, and the ethics. He stated that a WISE man is one who is cognizant of his own ignorance. He was famous for Socratic Method where he question the ideas and tries to establish the logic.

The famous Socratic Quotes that were compiled by his student includeQuestion all of your ideas.-Seeking the truth is important and can be achieved through dialogues.-When one gain moral knowledge it would translate to goodness.

“Knowthyself” – Socrates’ primary axiom of all wisdom-I know nothing and all I know is that I know nothing!

The Greek Philosopher – Plato

Plato, who was Socrates’ disciple started an educational institute where his disciples studied. These included.-His student Aristole who in turn founded other philosophical groups. Plato studied many issues including reality, justice and Politics… His book, titled Republic, introduced us to the concept of a justice polis run by philosopher-king.

Plato’s Theory ofForms: Plato thought the sensible world is corrupt and temporal while “Forms” or ideas in higher spheres exist, permanent and divine.

Plato explained that an object has its own resemblance to “the forms”. For example, any being that is beautiful takes after its similarity to the Form of Beauty

The Greek Philosopher – Aristotle

Astudent of Plato but he also had his differences. Aristotle was devoted to study of many disciplines like -Biology, Physics, Ethics, Logic. He approached philosophy from observation and concrete study.

Aristotle’s work contributed to science, politics and Ethics and has influenced subsequent generations of scientists and philosophers down through history.

The Work of Aristotle’s:-Aristole developed his theory on the rules and structure of logical analysis-Aristote studied classification of animals and plants-Aristotle’s thesis on Political Philosophy.-Aristote founded his studies on ethics.

Major schools of greekphilosophy

Greek philosophy went beyond them. There were subsequent philosophical schools-Stoics -Foundedby Zeno and his followers who emphasized courage and resilience against the obstacles in one’s life by leading a balanced and disciplined life.-Epicureans – Ledby Epicurus believed in modest living which focused on the highest goal, which is human pleasure that it is achieved by the way of a moderate way of life.-Cynics – led by Diogenes who emphasized freedom and rejected the greed and society standards.-Zeno of Citum founded the Stoic sect, which is still alive till today and it mainly focuses on self-mastery of body and soul.

The Greek influence on modern World:-
The philosophy of ancient greece has been applied to several fields including politics, science, logic, the psychology, education, and ethics today as universities around the globe continue to teach greekphilosophical concepts, logic and reasoning to all and every thing. Most universities all the world continue to teach the thoughts of ancientgreekthinkers such as plato Socrates and Aristotle. The principles of Socrates’, Plato’s and Aristotle’s philosophy remain influential up to this day with most debated issues relating to issues relating to what exactly is truth, human nature, justice, love…etcetera.

Conclusionancient Greek philosophy can best be regarded as the beginning of many things – not just for intellectual culture, but for all civilizations. When thinkers began to approach the cosmos with reasoned examination and questioning the world started to truly evolve. The foundations of Western philosophy, of course lie largely in the works of Socrates and the school he began and which produced both plato and Aristotle which have also greatly impacted all civilizations across the globe and this is all part of the legacy of this ancient greek tradition