True History - Veritas Card #15 - Greek Philosophers

Greek Philosophers - circa 450 - 322 B.C.

    According to dictionary.com, the definition of philosophy is the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge or conduct. The Greeks were known for their love for wisdom.
   Similar to the way we would find our understanding of the world through the Bible, the Greeks believed that the way the world works was connected to the gods of mythology. There is a vast different between the conclusions of the Bible and the conclusions of mythology though. Greek philosophers were also called, 'Greek scholars' and they began to study the world around them in order to find answers to their questions. They were known as the 'ones who loved knowledge'.
  The most famous philosopher was Socrates. Plato, also a philosopher, was one of Socrates' students. Aristotle attended Plato's Academy.
  The Socratic method was developed by Socrates. It stimulated people's thinking by asking questions. Socrates condemned Sophistry, which was the idea that winning an argument made something right. It is never a matter of winning an argument, but knowing what is true. People can be mistaken and believe that they are right, when they are totally wrong. It is hard for us to understand that though, because of our pride. Socrates was asking questions that challenged the government, and as a result, he was given poison and died.
  Plato started a school where his ideas would be taught. It was called, "Plato's Academy' and he recorded some of Socrates' discussions with students.
  Aristotle studied astronomy, which is the scientific study of the matter in outer space. He also studied math, biology, ethics, poetry, physics, and politics (great subjects to study!). His writings made him well known, and he also showed great ability in rhetorics.
  The Stoics and Epicureans were two philosophical groups that formed. Stoics were people who believed in a simple life without any luxuries, while the Epicureans believed that life was to be enjoyed, but not overly done.
 It was during this time that the Greek city-states were being formed. Alexander the Great came in on the tail end of this time period (336-323 B.C.)
   We are still influenced by the writings of these philosophers today.