Who Are the Big 3 Philosophers of Ancient Greece?

When we think of Ancient Greece, we often think of philosophy as one of its greatest contributions to the world. Three prominent figures in this field, who continue to influence modern thought, are Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who these philosophers were and what their contributions were to the world of philosophy.

Who was Socrates?

Socrates is known for being a philosopher who focused on ethics and morals. He believed that people should question everything in order to gain true knowledge.

This approach is known as the Socratic method and involves asking questions to uncover deeper truths. Socrates believed that knowledge was the key to living a good life.

One of his most famous quotes is “I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing.” This statement reflects his belief that true wisdom comes from recognizing our own ignorance.

Who was Plato?

Plato was a student of Socrates and went on to become one of the most influential philosophers in history. He believed in the existence of an objective reality beyond what we can physically see or touch. In his famous work “The Republic”, he outlines his vision for an ideal society where individuals are divided into classes based on their abilities and everyone works towards the common good.

Plato also believed in the immortality of the soul and argued that our true selves exist beyond our physical bodies. His philosophy had a lasting impact on Western thought for centuries to come.

Who was Aristotle?

Aristotle was a student of Plato and founded his own school called the Lyceum. He is known for his work in logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and biology.

One of Aristotle’s major contributions was his emphasis on empirical observation as a way to gain knowledge about the world around us. He believed that everything could be explained through careful observation and analysis. Aristotle’s work in biology laid the groundwork for modern scientific methods and his ideas on ethics and politics continue to influence philosophical thought today.

Conclusion

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are considered the “big three” philosophers of Ancient Greece for good reason. Their contributions to philosophy have shaped our understanding of the world and continue to influence modern thought. From Socrates’ emphasis on questioning everything to Aristotle’s focus on empirical observation, their ideas have stood the test of time and remain relevant today.