Nov. 19 : World Philosophy Day & Ancient Greece

For World Philosophy Day, you might guess that we will talk about ancient Greece, considering Philosophy is a Greek word meaning the Love of Wisdom. Greek philosophy is a system of thought that originated in ancient Greece in the 6th century BCE. It was informed by a focus on the First Cause of observable phenomena and was developed by the so-called Pre-Socratic Philosophers, defined as those who engaged in philosophic speculation and the development of different schools of thought from Thales’ first efforts up to the time of Socrates of Athens. The works of these philosophers have had a profound impact on the world, influencing the underlying belief systems of legal codes, cultural values, and monotheistic religions in the modern day.

The first Greek philosopher, Thales of Miletus, suggested that the First Cause of existence was water. This suggestion brought no backlash of charges of impiety because water, as a life-giving agency which encircled the earth, was already associated with the gods by Greek religion. Thales’ followers, Anaximander and Anaximenes, continued his studies and examinations of the nature of reality but suggested different elements as the First Cause. These three men initiated the path of inquiry known as ancient Greek philosophy.

Socrates of Athens enlarged the scope of philosophy to address not only the First Cause but also the individual’s moral and ethical obligation to self-improvement for its own sake and the good of the greater community. Plato’s work inspired his student Aristotle of Stagira to establish his own school with his own vision based on but significantly different from Plato’s own. Aristotle would go on to become the tutor of Alexander the Great who, through his conquest of Persia, spread the concepts of Greek philosophy throughout the East where it would influence the development of the school of thought known as Neo-Platonism as formulated by the philosopher Plotinus.

The works of Aristotle, which would come to inform Christianity as much as Plato’s, would also be instrumental in the formulation of Islamic thought after Islam was established in the 7th century CE as well as the theological concepts of Judaism. The Greeks changed the way the world looks at art, math, architecture, philosophy, sports, and drama. Without the ancient Greeks, the modern world would not be the same. Men such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle changed the way we look at philosophy.

Greek philosophy has had a lasting impact on the world. It has contributed to the development of belief systems, cultural values, and legal codes all around the world. The Greeks introduced new ideas and new ways of thinking that set in motion the wheels of change, helping humanity transition from a species reliant on mysticism and belief to one dependent on science and proof. The Greeks’ contributions to advancing art, politics, and science were immense. They pioneered the art of exploring nature rationally and developing theories explaining the universe’s existence.

Most modern people will be fascinated by ancient stories of great warriors like Alexander the Great or Leonidas achieving great victories in battle, but what they wont spend time on is learning how all these leaders studied philosophy as part of their training to become leaders. Take some time to learn more about philosophy with the books and videos below:

Here are some highlights about some of the most famous Greek philosophers:

Thales of Miletus: Thales is generally recognized as the first ancient Greek philosopher. He was a mathematician, physician, engineer, and astronomer. He developed several theories using observation, scientific knowledge, and logic, steering clear from mythology, aiming to find explanations for natural phenomena which had previously been attributed to the 12 Olympian gods. At the same time, he did not reject gods, and believed they were present in everything.

Socrates: Socrates is one of the most famous Greek philosophers. He is known for his method of questioning, which aimed to stimulate critical thinking and self-examination. He believed that the pursuit of knowledge was the key to a virtuous life. Socrates’ teachings inspired his student Plato, who went on to establish his own school of philosophy.

Plato: Plato was a student of Socrates and went on to establish his own school of philosophy, the Academy (which inspired the modern Plato Academy network of schools in Florida). He is known for his work “The Republic,” which explores the nature of justice and the ideal society. Plato’s work has had a profound impact on Western philosophy and has influenced the development of political theory.

Aristotle: Aristotle was a student of Plato and went on to establish his own school of philosophy, the Lyceum. He is known for his work in logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and biology. Aristotle’s work has had a profound impact on Western philosophy and has influenced the development of science.

Pythagoras: Pythagoras was a philosopher and mathematician who is best known for the Pythagorean theorem. He believed that the universe was governed by mathematical principles and that numbers had mystical properties. Pythagoras’ work has had a profound impact on mathematics and science.

Epicurus: Epicurus was a philosopher who believed that the purpose of life was to achieve happiness and avoid pain. He believed that the universe was infinite and eternal and that the gods did not interfere in human affairs. Epicurus’ work has had a profound impact on ethics and has influenced the development of modern-day hedonism.

Heraclitus of Ephesus: Heraclitus was a philosopher of change. He believed that everything was in a state of flux and that change was the only constant. He is known for his famous quote, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Heraclitus’ work has had a profound impact on philosophy and has influenced the development of modern-day existentialism.

Democritus of Abdera: Democritus was an atomist philosopher who believed that everything in the universe was made up of atoms. He believed that atoms were indivisible and that they moved through empty space. Democritus’ work has had a profound impact on science and has influenced the development of modern-day atomic theory.

Diogenes of Sinope: Diogenes was a philosopher and founder of Cynicism. He believed that the purpose of life was to live in virtue and that material possessions were unnecessary. He famously lived in a barrel and rejected all forms of social convention. Diogenes’ work has had a profound impact on philosophy and has influenced the development of modern-day minimalism.

These are just some of the most famous Greek philosophers. Others who have not been mentioned in this list are sometimes just as important as the ones above, so don’t assume that we only mentioned them all. If all these topics seem a bit heavy for you, try out the Cartoon Introduction to Philosophy. Some more videos about philosophy you will enjoy: