Ancient Greek Philosophy and History

The word PHILOSOPHY comes from the Greek word for "love of _____."

• government

• war

• science

• wisdom

Philosophers were Greek thinkers who believed that

• the human mind could understand everything

• thoughts were a waste of time

• thinking could lead to enlightenment and the end of human suffering

One Greek philosopher/mathematician, Pythagoras, believed that all human relationships could be expressed in ___.

• science

• numbers

• angles

• poetry

Sophists were traveling teachers who believed (check all that apply)

• students should be working on improving themselves

• debate, or reasoning an argument was important, especially in politics

• gods and goddesses still have a major influence on people

• there is no absolute right or wrong. It depends.

Socrates can be described as (check all that apply)

• a Greek sculptor/wannabe philosopher

• someone who would lie to get out of trouble

• someone who encouraged reason, thought, and questioning leadership

• an enemy of the post-Peloponnesian War state.

Do you, like the Sophists, believe there is no absolute right or wrong, but rather right or wrong depends on each persons circumstances and situation?

• YES, call me a Sophist!

• No- I believe that there is a cut and dry right or wrong.

• I can't decide. I'm indecisive.

ONE IS TRUE.

• The philosopher, Plato, taught Socrates everything he knew.

• It could be said that Plato did not believe the common citizen capable of advanced thought.

• Plato wanted to see government reform in which the military held the absolute highest power and influence.

Plato could be described as an early feminist because ___.

(A feminist is someone who believes in equal opportunity and rights for men and women)

• he had many wives

• he believed men and women should have equal access to education and job opportunities.

• he believed all women were born with food-preparation and home-making skills.

Aristotle was (check all that apply)

• a student of Plato

• an author

• the founder of Lyceum which taught "the golden mean" (nothing in excess, everything in moderation)

• intent on studying government. He thought the best government was a mix of rule by the rich and poor.

• He tutored Alexander the Great.

Which is true about Greek historians? (choose one)

• Historian Herodotus is considered the "father of philosophy."

• Historian Herodotus wrote history based mainly on myth, and fictional stories of the lives of gods and goddesses.

• Thucydides wrote history based on personal experience and fact.