The Ancient Greek Philosophers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

 

Introduction

Greek philosophy emerged in the 6th century BC and lasted until the Hellenistic period. It is an extensive field of study that covers topics such as ethics, metaphysics, ontology, logic, biology, rhetoric, and aesthetics. The influence of Greek philosophy on Western thought is undeniable, and it is widely regarded as the foundation of modern philosophy. In this article, we will dive deep into the lives and philosophies of the three most prominent Greek philosophers - Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Socrates - The Founder of Western Philosophy

Socrates, born in Athens in 470 BC, is often credited as the founder of Western philosophy. He did not leave any written records of his teachings, and much of what we know about him comes from the writings of his students and contemporaries, such as Plato, Xenophon, Aristotle, and Aristophanes. Socrates' method of philosophical inquiry, known as the Socratic method, has been one of the most enduring legacies of his philosophy.

The Socratic method is a form of inquiry and discussion between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to illuminate ideas. Socrates' goal was to expose contradictions in one's thoughts, guiding them to arrive at a solid, tenable conclusion. The principle underlying the Socratic Method is that humans learn through the use of reasoning and logic, ultimately finding holes in their own theories and then patching them up. Socrates believed that the pursuit of truth and wisdom was a lifelong process, and that one could never truly claim to have found the answers to life's questions.

Plato - The Founder of the Academy

Plato, born between 428 BC and 423 BC, was a student of Socrates and is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Western philosophy. He founded the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Plato was a prolific writer, and his works have survived to this day, providing us with invaluable insights into his philosophy.

One of Plato's most enduring contributions to philosophy is the Theory of Forms. The ethical problem that Plato sought to solve was how humans could live a fulfilling life in an ever-changing world if everything that they hold close to them can be easily taken away. The problem dealing with permanence and change was how the world can appear to be both permanent and changing. The world we perceive through senses seems to be always changing. The world that we perceive through the mind seems to be permanent and unchanging. Which world perceived is more real? Why are we seeing two different worlds?

To solve these problems, Plato split the world into two: the material realm and the transcendent realm of forms. We have access to the realm of forms through the mind, allowing us access to an unchanging world. This particular world is invulnerable to the pains and changes of the material world. By detaching our souls from the material world and our bodies and developing our ability to concern ourselves with the forms, Plato believed this will lead to us finding a value which is not open to change. This solves the ethical problem. Splitting existence up into two realms also leads us to a solution to the problem of permanence and change. Our mind perceives a different world, with different objects, than our senses do. It is the material world, perceived through the senses, that is changing. It is the realm of forms, perceived through the mind, that is permanent.

Aristotle - The Student of Plato

Aristotle, born in 384 BC, was a student of Plato and one of the most important philosophers in history. He spent almost twenty years at Plato's Academy in Athens, where he honed his talents of understanding the world. Aristotle was a polymath and wrote extensively on a wide range of subjects, including metaphysics, ethics, logic, politics, biology, and more.

One of Aristotle's most famous contributions to philosophy is his theory of the universals. The problem of the universals is the question of whether properties exist and, if so, what exactly are they. Aristotle's theory states that universals exist only where they are instantiated. In simpler terms, he believes universals exist only in things, never apart from things. Aristotle believes that a universal is identical in each of its instances. All round things are similar in that there is the same universal, characteristic, throughout.

Aristotle's philosophy was also influenced by his observations of the natural world. He believed that everything in the natural world had a telos or purpose. For example, the purpose of an acorn is to grow into an oak tree. Aristotle's philosophy was deeply influential in the development of science and scientific inquiry.

The Legacy of the Great Ancient Greek Philosophers

The legacy of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle can still be felt today. Their ideas and philosophies have influenced countless philosophers and thinkers throughout history. Their commitment to the pursuit of truth and wisdom has inspired generations of people to seek understanding and knowledge.

Socrates' Socratic method has become a foundational tool in education and critical thinking. Plato's Theory of Forms has influenced countless philosophers and artists throughout history, and his Academy became the model for universities around the world. Aristotle's philosophy has been influential in the development of science and scientific inquiry and has influenced countless fields of study, including biology, ethics, and politics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the great ancient Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle left an indelible mark on the history of philosophy and the development of Western thought. Their ideas and philosophies continue to be studied and debated to this day, and their legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.