Greek Philosophers

During the 5th century BC, a new group of intellectual teachers emerged in Athens. These teachers, called Sophists, (meaning “those who are wise”) were considered ‘professional teachers,’ as they earned money by selling their knowledge. The Sophists used their intellect and skill at rhetoric in order to persuade others. Protagoras, a foremost Sophist, concluded that there could be no absolute truths or eternal standards of right and wrong. Perception of right and wrong could only create a truth for an individual. Some people felt that these teachings would allow people to “rationalize monstrous acts of brutality,” and these ideas were “antidemocratic, atheistic, and anarchist.”

Socrates (469-399 BC), an Athenian, challenged these ideas with his theory that “truth is real and that absolute standards do exist.” He felt that “Athens was being corrupted by the shameful doctrines of the Sophists.” Although Socrates did not formally write his teachings, his student, Plato, created a written record through various plays and writings that incorporated much dialogue around Socrates. (Other students also provided additional written accounts, but Plato is very well known.) These writings showcased the fundamentals of Socrates’ philosophy. Socrates “focused his attention on ethics rather than on studying the physical world.” He urged people to consider their actions and how they affected not only themselves, but also those around them and their society. From this belief arose one of Socrates’ most memorable phrases: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates believed that people should act ethically not only to benefit themselves, but also for the betterment of others and their society. Seeing how the Sophists used rhetoric to gain ...

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...in a nutshell).

With regard to politics, Aristotle focused not on the self but on society. A political community was a group of people working together for the common good of the people. When people were doing good works together, they were at their best and happiest. From this observation, Aristotle coined the phrase, “man is by nature a political animal.” Although Aristotle felt this was with regard to politics and a community nature, he did not feel that barbarians or women should have a role in the polis, essentially stating that these classes of people are not ‘humans.’

Socrates and Aristotle can both be considered founding fathers of Western Civilization Philosophy. Their observation and questioning have provided the foundation for philosophical debate, discussion, and change from their ancient Greek lifestyles through learning about ourselves today.