Ancient Greece Philosophers

Greek philosophers were “lovers of wisdom” and “seekers of it.” They used reason and reasoning to investigate and evaluate the world around them. The Greek philosophers were also scientists, despite the fact that we frequently associate philosophy with religion or “the meaning of life.” Many also pursued studies in physics and mathematics. The philosophers frequently served as wealthy kids’ teachers. Some of the most well-known ones started their own academies or schools.

Major Greek Philosophers

Socrates
The first significant Greek philosopher was Socrates. The Socratic Method was invented by him. Through the use of a question and response format, this was a method of learning about topics and difficulties. Socrates brought political philosophy to the Greeks and inspired them to reflect deeply on morality, good and evil, and how society should function. Socrates didn’t record much of his thoughts, but we do know what he believed via the writings of his pupil, Plato.

Plato
Many of Plato’s philosophical writings were recorded as dialogues, or talks. Socrates is one of the speakers in the dialogues. The Republic is the title of Plato’s most well-known work. Socrates explores what justice is, how to run cities and governments, and other topics in this work. In the conversations, he talks about his ideal society. This work has influenced political thought and philosophy throughout history and is still studied today.

No one should be wealthy or live in luxury, according to Plato. He also thought that each person should work at the position for which they are most qualified. He believed that society deserved to be ruled by a wise king. He established the Academy, a school where he taught pupils like Aristotle.

Aristotle
Despite not always agreeing with all of Plato’s ideas, Aristotle was a student of the philosopher. Aristotle preferred to concentrate on the more useful branches of philosophy, such as physics. The Lyceum, his own institution, was founded by him. He believed that motive to be the highest good and that exercising self restraint was crucial. Alexander the Great studied under Aristotle in his youth.

Additional Greek philosophers

Pythagoras –
The Pythagorean Theorem, which is used to calculate the length of a right triangle’s sides, is what Pythagoras is best known for. He also thought that mathematics formed the foundation of the universe.

Epicurus
claimed that the gods were uninterested in people. That what we ought to do is to have fun and be content.

Zeno –
founded the Stoic school of thought. He claimed that accepting all that occurs, good or terrible, is the key to happiness. His ideology stressed a person’s actions over their words as a way of life.