Philosophy

Philosophy Study Guide

Chapter 2: What is the Philosopher’s Way?

Learning Objectives 1. Define the birth of philosophy 2. Discuss the Socratic Method as a theory in philosophy 3. Discuss Socrates central concern which discusses the soul 4. Discuss the trial and death of Socrates 5. Discuss the legend of Socrates and his impact on philosophy 6. Discuss Plato’s view on Socrates regarding his contribution to philosophy through his work known asL The Apology 2.1 Birth of Philosophy Socrates was one of the Greek gods that helped sow the seeds for the birth of Western philosophy. His teachings, along with Greek culture religious stories, formed a rich and colorful array of divine characters including the Greek gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Hera, Hercules, and Apollo. These gods and goddesses were portrayed as having complex and dramatic lives filled with conflict, lust, betrayal, violence, love, competition, and passion. These religious stories became an integral part of the culture that was institutionalized in temples, rituals, sacred objects, and the god became a central part of the culture’s belief system. These religious stories ended up profoundly shaping the way the people viewed themselves and their world. The religious stories of the ancient Greek culture was made unique by the themes and stories of the gods and their dealing with one another, they embodied the core values that helped shape the Greek culture. Homer, the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey, was a major influence on Greek culture. His classic influential story of The Iliad focuses on an account of living in the world of war and The Odyssey is about the importance of the human world and the one that people create. These are just two of the influential stories from the ancient Greek culture that has helped shape philosophy into a science. The essence of philosophy is to question the authenticity and truth of these cultural stories and myths, which often finds itself at odds with the prevailing culture. Philosophy was permitted in ancient Greece and encouraged to thrive through independence of thought, strength of character, development of the intellect, and seeking order and clarity. The unique values and worldview embodied in Greek religion and myths helped to create the condition for the birth of philosophy in Greece embodied in a group of individuals called the pre-Socratic philosophers (before Socrates). They served as intellectual catalysts and laid the foundation for Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the formal birth of Western philosophy.

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