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Western Philosophy Chelsea Lesaca

This document provides an overview of some of the key figures and ideas in ancient Greek philosophy, beginning with Thales of Miletus, who is considered one of the earliest known Western philosophers. It discusses the Ionian school of philosophy founded by Thales in the 6th century BCE. It also summarizes the philosophical contributions of important thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and others who helped lay the foundations of Western thought.

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10 views3 pages

Western Philosophy Chelsea Lesaca

This document provides an overview of some of the key figures and ideas in ancient Greek philosophy, beginning with Thales of Miletus, who is considered one of the earliest known Western philosophers. It discusses the Ionian school of philosophy founded by Thales in the 6th century BCE. It also summarizes the philosophical contributions of important thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and others who helped lay the foundations of Western thought.

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rachel reparep
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Republic of the Philippines

President Ramon Magsaysay State University


(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales (Main Campus)

Western Philosophy
Western philosophy refers to the philosophical tradition that originated in ancient Greece
and has developed throughout the Western world. It encompasses a wide range of
philosophical ideas and theories about the nature of reality, knowledge, ethics, and the
meaning of life.
THALES
- Thales of Miletus (c. 624-546 BCE) is considered as one of the earliest known Western
philosophers and a key figure in the development of ancient Greek philosophy. He hailed
from the city of Miletus, located in present-day Turkey.
- In Western philosophy, Thales of Miletus holds a significant place as one of the earliest
known philosophers and one of the Seven Sages of Greece. He lived in the 6th century
BCE and is often considered the founder of the Ionian school of philosophy.

IONIAN SCHOOL
- The Ionian School refers to a school of ancient Greek philosophy that emerged in the
region of Ionia, located on the western coast of present-day Turkey, during the 6th and
5th centuries BCE.
Some of the prominent philosophers associated with the Ionian School include:
 Thales of Miletus
 Anaximander of Miletus
 Anaximenes of Miletus

Thales of Miletus
Thales is often considered the founder of the Ionian School and one of the Seven Sages of
Greece. He is known for his inquiries into the nature of the cosmos and his belief that water
is the fundamental substance from which everything is derived.
Anaximander of Miletus
Anaximander was a student of Thales and expanded on his ideas. He proposed that the
fundamental substance of the universe was an indefinite, boundless substance called the
"apeiron," which encompasses all things.
Anaximenes of Miletus
Anaximenes, another student of Thales, posited that the fundamental substance of the universe
was air. He believed that through rarefaction and condensation, air could transform into different
forms of matter.

SEVEN SAGES OF GREECE


Thales of Miletus
Solon of Athens
Bias of Priene
Pittacus of Mytilene
Cleobulus of Lindus
Periander of Corinth
Chilon of Sparta

PLATO
- Plato (427-347 BCE) was a renowned philosopher and mathematician of ancient Greece.
- He founded the Academy in Athens, which is considered one of the earliest institutions of
higher learning in the Western world.
- Plato's philosophical ideas cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, metaphysics,
epistemology, politics, and aesthetics. His philosophical works are written in the form of
dialogues, with his mentor Socrates often serving as the protagonist.
- Plato posited the existence of abstract entities called "Forms" or "Ideas," which he
believed to be the true essence or reality behind the physical world. According to Plato,
the physical world is a mere reflection or imperfect copy of these ideal Forms.

ARISTOTLE
- Aristotle (384-322 BCE) was a Greek philosopher, scientist, and polymath who made
significant contributions to a wide range of fields, including philosophy, logic, ethics,
biology, physics, and politics.
Here are some key aspects of Aristotle's philosophy:
Metaphysics
Logic
Ethics
Politics
Biology

Metaphysics
- Aristotle's metaphysics explores the nature of reality and existence. He posited that
everything in the world is composed of matter and form, where matter is the potential to
become something, and form is the actuality or realization of that potential.

Logic
- Aristotle developed a system of logic known as syllogistic logic, which became the
cornerstone of Western logical thought. He formulated rules for valid reasoning and
deduction and introduced the concepts of categorical propositions and syllogisms.

Ethics
- Aristotle's ethical theory focuses on the concept of eudaimonia, which is often translated
as "happiness" or "flourishing." According to Aristotle, eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of
human life, and it is achieved through the cultivation of virtues and the pursuit of moral
excellence.

Politics
- Aristotle's political philosophy emphasizes the importance of the polis (city-state) as the
ideal political unit. He believed that the purpose of the state is to promote the well-being
of its citizens and argued for a mixed form of government that combines elements of
monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.

Biology
- Aristotle made significant contributions to the field of biology, particularly in his studies
of animals. His work formed the basis for the field of comparative anatomy, and he
classified organisms based on their characteristics and observed their behavior to
understand their functions.

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