Social philosophy, also described as the philosophical study of social behavior (particularly in humans) was one of the key aspects of Plato’s philosophy. However, we must acknowledge that this was not exclusive to the Socratic turn, for many other philosophers have incorporated social philosophy after Plato. Nevertheless, our chief concern will be the philosophy of Plato, for he was responsible for the beginning of the philosophical social movement. Plato incorporated his philosophy mainly through his own writings, as well as dialogues that he recorded of his mentor Socrates. The main character in Plato’s works was Socrates.
Although, both Plato and Aristotle criticized their teacher’s works, they were also influenced by them. Both Plato and Aristotle developed their own modes of knowledge acquisition; Plato’s Platonic Idealism and Aristotle’s Analytic Empiricism. In this paper, my objective is to identify the differences in the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, which lead to the development of two contradictory modes of knowledge acquisition and their influence on succeeding thinkers. Plato (428-328 BC) was a successful philosopher, influenced by people like Heraclitus, Parmenides, and the Pythagoreans: But, the most influential person in Plato’s life was Socrates (Nicholas). Socrates used oral arguing to cross-examine people, asking them to define an idea or concept and through argument, improve their answer to give a better definition and thus gain wisdom; this was called the Socratic Method.
Now apparent, Socrates influenced some of the most famous and impactful philosophers as of today. Historians have gathered from Plato’s published writing that Socrates used the “Socratic method” during his teachings and lectures. “His ‘Socratic method’ consisted of asking questions, particularly in pursuit of definitions” (Sacks). The purpose for asking a series of questions, was to allow the person to ponder the question, as well as the string of answers, ideas, and aspects of morals which come along with it. Also, according to the information provided of Socrates’ life, one can infer he was ... ... middle of paper ... ...delines) was what lead him one of the most impactful philosophers (Sacks).
Socrates was an Ancient Greek philosopher who lived from 469-399 B.C. Much of what he knew he learned from another famous Ancient Greek philosopher, Plato. Concerning logic and human behavior in general, “Socrates’ life was inspired by discussion and debate with both the young of Athens and the leading philosophers of his day” (Daintith, Vol. 9 93). He introduced methodical and ordered thinking.
Plato is one of the most important figures of the Ancient Greek world and the entire history of Western thought. Not only was Plato one of the greatest philosophers of all time, he also had ties with some of the greatest, he was the student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle. Plato has written many philosophical dialogues for Socrates as well as himself including The Apology of Socrates which identifies the speech Socrates makes at the trial, The Republic which is determining what constitutes justice and education and the Theory of Forms which asserts that the physical world is not really the 'real' world; instead, ultimate reality exists beyond our physical world. Plato, (born 428/427 BCE, Athens, Greece—died 348/347, Athens) was born
The founding of the Academy is said by some to be one of the most important events in Western European history; it is in the Academy where Plato excelled in his dialectic teaching and taught his notable student Aristotle. This middle period is also thought to mark the time frame during which Plato wrote his most important work, the Republic. The Republic The name Republic originates from the Latin version of Plato’s writing entitled Res publica, but the original title comes from the Greek phrase peri< dikai>ou, which is translated, “On the Just Man.” The Republic opens with a discussion between Socrates and his old friend Cephalus concerning the nature of justice. Throughout the work, the issue of justice is analyzed from different perspectives and various characters, each revolving around the central figure Socrates, as it relates to the state and man. As the discussion shifts from the just state to the just man, Plato, through the voice of his teacher, enters into the realm of epistemology and metaphysics.
Plato was also known as being one of Socrates many students. Lastly there is Aristotle, he was the youngest of the three. He too was a Greek philosopher along with the rest. Aristotle was best known for his writings, in which including many topics. Each philosopher had a great impact on the Western Civilizations.
Euthyphro Plato is recognized as one of the greatest philosophers of ancient Greece. He is known as a profound thinker who came from an aristocratic family. Plato was a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. Plato’s writing questioned justice, equality, and philosophy. Plato founded the Academy in Athens.
The main character in the Republic is Socrates, while other characters like Cephalus, Polemarchus, Thrasymachus, Glaucon, and Adeimantus help Socrates navigate through the problems presented by conventional wisdom, while displaying Plato’s thoughts and wisdom. Each of these characters play a key role in setting up Plato’s ideas and thoughts, while bringing to the story their own perspective and intellect. While Plato was an understudy of Socrates, and became the philosopher he is because of Socrates, Plato uses Socrates as a fictional character in his writing and expels his knowledge mainly through him and the conversations he has with the other characters. Plato is a very interesting philosopher, beyond the wisdom he has passed on to others; he writes in a unique ... ... middle of paper ... ...nd forms previously mentioned. Plato presents that particulars participate in forms and give their common quality, which the quality is a reflection of his idea.
Classical Greece is noted for various contributions to modern society. Perhaps one of their biggest contributions is the development of philosophy. Socrates, a well-known Greek philosopher, gave the modern world the Socratic Method, among others. He challenged many Athenian values while reaffirming others. Unfortunately, all that is left of his teachings are those that were written down by his students, most notably by Plato.