W3_01

• Socrates


  An ancient Greek philosopher born circa 470 BCE in Athens
• Socrates is considered one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy, despite the fact that he left no written works of his own
• Our understanding of Socrates

  Primarily comes from the writings of his contemporaries, particularly his student Plato, and also from Xenophon and Aristophanes
• Socratic method


  • Socrates' dialectical method of inquiry, involving asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate underlying assumptions
• Socrates' belief about wisdom and ignorance


  He was wise only insofar as he knew that he knew nothing, and true wisdom lies in recognizing the limitations of one's knowledge and being open to continual questioning and learning
• Socrates' moral philosophy

  • He was deeply concerned with ethical questions, particularly regarding the nature of virtue and the good life, emphasizing the importance of living a virtuous and examined life, guided by reason and moral integrity
• Socrates' trial and execution

  399 BCE
• Socrates was charged with impiety (disrespect for the gods) and corrupting the youth of Athens, and was found guilty and sentenced to death by drinking a cup of hemlock poison
• Socrates' philosophical legacy is profound and far-reaching, as he laid the groundwork for subsequent Western philosophy, particularly through his influence on Plato, who in turn influenced Aristotle and many others
• Socratic philosophy continues to inspire discussions on ethics, epistemology, and the nature of knowledge and reality
• Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher born around 428 or 427 BCE in Athens
• Plato is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Western philosophy and the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world
• Plato's philosophical works, mostly in the form of dialogues, have had a profound and lasting impact on the development of philosophy, politics, ethics, and various other fields
• Early Life and Education

  • Plato was born into an aristocratic family and likely received a comprehensive education in philosophy, mathematics, and gymnastics
  • He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Socrates, whom he encountered in his youth and became a devoted disciple of
• Philosophical Contributions

  • Plato's philosophy covers a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics, and aesthetics
  • His dialogues are typically structured as conversations between Socrates and various interlocutors, through which Plato explores fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, justice, and the nature of the good
• Theory of Forms (or Ideas)


  The material world that we perceive through our senses is only a shadow or imperfect reflection of a higher realm of Forms, which are eternal, immutable, and perfect archetypes
• Forms


  • Form of Beauty
  • Form of Justice
• Allegory of the Cave


  • In his work "The Republic," Plato presents the Allegory of the Cave, a powerful metaphor for the journey of philosophical enlightenment
  • It describes a group of people who are chained inside a cave, facing a wall and only able to see shadows cast by objects behind them
  • The allegory illustrates Plato's belief in the importance of seeking knowledge and truth beyond mere appearances and illusions
• Ideal State


  • In "The Republic," Plato outlines his vision of an ideal society governed by philosopher-kings who possess wisdom, virtue, and a deep understanding of the Forms
  • He argues for a hierarchical society based on meritocracy, with citizens assigned to social classes according to their innate abilities and virtues
• Plato's philosophical ideas have had a lasting impact on Western thought and continue to be studied and debated to this day
• Plato's influence can be seen in fields as diverse as ethics, metaphysics, political theory, and theology
• Saint Augustine


  Also known as Augustine of Hippo, a Roman African theologian and philosopher who lived from 354 to 430 CE
• Augustine is one of the most significant figures in the development of Western Christianity and Western philosophy
• Augustine's works have had a profound influence on the shaping of Christian theology and Western thought
• Augustine


  • Born in Thagaste, a Roman province in North Africa (present-day Algeria)
  • Raised by a Christian mother, Monica, and a pagan father, Patricius
  • Initially influenced by Manichaeism, a religion that combined elements of Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Gnosticism
  • Later embraced skepticism and pursued a career in rhetoric
• Augustine's conversion to Christianity

  1. Period of spiritual searching and intellectual struggle

  2. Dramatic conversion to Christianity in 386 CE

  3. Embraced Christianity and devoted himself to the study of Scripture and Christian doctrine
• Theological and philosophical topics addressed in Augustine's writings


  • The problem of evil
  • The nature of God
  • Free will
  • Grace
  • The relationship between faith and reason
• Augustine's doctrine of original sin


  • Derived from his interpretation of the Genesis account of Adam and Eve's fall
  • Argued that as a result of Adam's sin, humanity inherited a sinful nature and is inherently inclined towards evil
• Augustine's views on original sin influenced subsequent Christian theologians and shaped the doctrine of salvation in Western Christianity
• Augustine's influence extends beyond theology to philosophy, literature, and political thought
• Augustine's ideas have had a lasting impact on Western philosophy, particularly in the areas of metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics
• Philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, and Blaise Pascal were deeply influenced by Augustine's thought
• Saint and Doctor of the Church


  Augustine was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church and is venerated as a Doctor of the Church, a title given to individuals whose writings have significantly contributed to Christian doctrine and theology
• Augustine's feast day is celebrated on August 28th in the Western Christian tradition
• Augustine's intellectual legacy continues to shape Christian theology and Western thought, making him one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity and philosophy
• John Locke was born


  1632
• John Locke passed away


  1704
• John Locke


  English philosopher and physician, one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers, often regarded as the "Father of Liberalism"
• John Locke's contributions

  • Political philosophy
  • Ideas on individual rights, government, and the nature of knowledge
• Tabula rasa


  Locke's theory of the mind, the mind at birth is like a blank slate devoid of innate ideas, all knowledge comes from sensory experience and reflection