lecture two Flashcards
Who are key figures in early Greek philosophy and what did they contribute?
- Thales – first Western philosopher, studied nature’s foundation
- Milesian School – proto-scientific views
- Democritus – atomic theory
- Socrates – ethics
- Plato – dialogues on ethics, politics, metaphysics
- Aristotle – works on biology and logic
- Hellenists (Epicurus, Cynics, Stoics) – distinct philosophical lifestyles
How does Greek legal philosophy influence modern law?
- Emphasis on ethics, justice, and civic duty
- Frameworks of rule of law and virtue in governance
- Core concepts: justice, equality, civic responsibility
What is Socrates’ main philosophical approach?
- Critical thinking through the Socratic Method
- Guided questions, not direct answers
- Ethical inquiry as the path to wisdom
What are key facts about Socrates’ life and trial?
- Athenian philosopher (470–399 BC)
- Tried and executed for “corrupting the youth” and impiety
- No writings – known via Plato’s dialogues
- Quoted: “I know that I know nothing”
What were Socrates’ beliefs about happiness and leadership?
- True happiness = self-awareness
- Leadership should come from knowledge and ethics, not popularity
- Philosophy should benefit society
What did Socrates think about Athens and other city-states?
Loyal to Athens but critical of its moral confusion
Believed other cities taught virtue better
Real tragedy: Athenians waste their great potential
What was Socrates’ view on democracy?
- Disputed views: seen as both friend and critic
- Used ship analogy to criticize unskilled democratic rule
- Seen as ideal democratic citizen by some: values liberty and order
Was Socrates consistent about obeying the law?
- In Crito: says always obey law
- In Apology: disobeys court to keep philosophizing
Explanations: - Not disobedience but persuasion
- Possible exceptions to law
- Debate: What do YOU think?
How did Plato shape legal and political philosophy?
- Student of Socrates, teacher of Aristotle
- Founded the Academy
- Explored justice, equality, politics in dialogues
- Inspired legal systems and education
What key events shaped Plato’s philosophy?
- Turned to philosophy after Socrates’ death
- Travelled and studied across the Mediterranean
- Writings divided into 3 periods
- Wrote on justice, beauty, theology, epistemology
What does Plato’s Allegory of the Cave teach?
- People mistake shadows for reality
- True knowledge comes from understanding Forms
- Influenced works like The Chronicles of Narnia
What is Plato’s idea of a perfect society?
- Ruled by philosopher-kings
- Emphasis on education for virtue
- Justice through wise governance
- Outlined in The Republic
How did Plato’s view on law evolve in Laws?
- Warned against absolute rulers
- Law should be sovereign, rulers its servants
- Advocated responsible, law-abiding officials (Nomophylakes)
Who was Aristotle and what did he contribute?
- Greek philosopher and scientist (384–322 BC)
- Student of Plato, tutor of Alexander the Great
- Founded Lyceum
- Wrote on ethics, logic, science, politics
What defines Aristotle’s philosophical method?
- Observation and empirical study
- Developed syllogism (logical argument)
- Emphasized deduction: conclusions from facts
How did Aristotle define human nature and society?
- Humans = political animals
- Flourishing (eudaimonia) through civic life
- State = natural, essential for human development
How did Aristotle describe the evolution of the state?
- Household – basic needs
- Village – extended association
- Polis – highest association for full human potential
- Best constitutions promote virtue
What did Aristotle say about natural law?
- Distinguished between particular (man-made) and common (natural) law
- Common law = eternal and universal
- Natural law can conflict with particular law (e.g., Antigone)
- Justice exists between all people, not just citizens
How did Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle differ?
- Socrates: Ethical inquiry, questioning norms
- Plato: Ideal forms, philosopher-kings
- Aristotle: Observation, practical governance
Why does Greek philosophy still matter?
- Influenced democracy, law, and ethics
- Shaped Western legal and political frameworks
- Continues to inspire modern legal theory
