Greek Philosophy
Ancient Greek philosophy, spanning from the 6th century BCE to the 6th century CE, laid the foundations for Western science, logic, ethics, politics, and metaphysics. The philosophical tradition that began with the pre-Socratics (Thales, Heraclitus, Parmenides) reached its pinnacle with Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, whose ideas continue to shape thought across the world.
Plato's dialogues explore the nature of justice, beauty, truth, and the ideal state. His Theory of Forms proposes that the physical world is an imperfect reflection of a higher, unchanging reality. Aristotle, Plato's student, took a more empirical approach, making groundbreaking contributions to logic, biology, ethics, and political theory. His "Nicomachean Ethics" remains a cornerstone of moral philosophy.
The Greek philosophical tradition also encompasses Epicureanism, Skepticism, Cynicism, and Neoplatonism, each offering distinct perspectives on how to live a good life and understand the nature of reality.
Key Concepts
- The Socratic method: knowledge through questioning
- Plato's Theory of Forms: ideal vs. material reality
- Aristotle's Golden Mean: virtue as balance between extremes
- Eudaimonia: flourishing or the good life
- Logic and rational inquiry as tools for truth
- The examined life: Socrates' dictum
- Natural law and political philosophy
- The four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance, justice
Indexed Texts
These texts are indexed in Darobodo. Click any title to read the full text.