How can I explain to my 10 yr. old daughter better about who was socrates, plato, aristotles?

Answer 1

Try this:

"In 300 BC, Socrates (470-399BC) engaged his learners by asking questions (know as the Socratic or dialectic method). He often insisted that he really knew nothing, but his questioning skills allowed others to learn by self-generated understanding.

Plato (428-348 BC), who was a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle, wrote down the Dialogues, which have inspired thinkers for more than two thousand years. Plato called this process the dialectic, and considered it the pinnacle of learning. One of the significant features of the dialogical (dialectic) method is that it emphasizes collective, as against solitary activity. This is a question and answer form of arguing with an "expert" on one side and a "searcher" on the other. In the dialogues, the questioning of the expert by the searcher often exposes gaps in the reasoning. It is through this back and forth argument amongst friends (or adversaries) that understanding grows and becomes revealed to the learners. Such philosophical pursuit alongside and within a full education allows humans to transcend their desires and sense in order to attain true knowledge.

Plato founded what is said to be the first university - his Academy (near Athens) in around 385 BC. He also believed that all knowledge is innate at birth and is perfectible by experiential learning during growth. This was an early suggestion to the current theory of constructivism.

Along with many others in his time, Aristotle (384-322 BC) placed a strong emphasis on an all-round and balanced development. Play, physical training, music, debate, and the study of science and philosophy were to all have their place in the forming of body, mind and soul. Like Plato before him, he saw such learning happening through life - although with different emphases at different ages. Aristotle was the first to observe that "association" among ideas facilitated understanding and recall. He believed that comprehension was aided by contiguity, succession, similarity, and contrast.

Although we often view the term technology as hardware items, it is actually a system of practical knowledge. Technology is derived from the ancient Greek word techne. It can be translated to refer to art, craft or skill. Plato viewed techne and systematic or scientific knowledge as being closely related. Aristotle went a step further by asserting that techne was the systematic use of knowledge for intelligent human action."

Answer 2

I majored in Philosophy in college. Yes, by all means, I have heard of them. Alexander the Great was Aristotle's pupil. He actually bought Aristotle an elephant as a gift once. Plato is just awesome. All of the above philosophers are exceptional. Too bad we don't have any of Socrates' actual writings.

Answer 3

If your 10 year old is asking, give her as much information as you can...some she will readily grasp, some she will not. As others have noted, there are some good age-appropriate information available.

My daughter was asking similar questions when she was MUCH younger. Her perceptions often scared the **** out of me (and occasionally still do - ha!), but I always tried to give her sufficient information or at least a place to start her research into ANY given field. Don't limit the sources of your daughter's education to what is "normal".according to other people or the public education system.

As my daughter got older, I was very often pleasantly surprised at her recollection of the topics we discussed when she was 4 and 5 years old. The information she gleaned even at that age has served her well.

Answer 4

To understand Plato, Soctrates and Aristotle one must know Pythagoras who laid down the foundation for these three kats. These three would be hopelessly lost with out the P-man Pytrhagoras. Introduce her to the Pythagorean Quadrivium of education.

Answer 5

Buy a book called "Sophie's world" and read it to her. It is basically an introduction into philosophy through the eyes of the little girl who is wondering about life.
It starts from explaining how Lego works and continues in that manner.
It is too simple and boring for adults who know bits and pieces already but would be very good for a 10 year old. And if you read it to her yourself it would be even better!

Answer 6

They now have books that are based on the philosophies of all three of them geared toward children ages 8-15. If I were you I would go and check them out and see if that's what your looking for. Beware though...eventhough they are made for children, some are still filled with ancient Greco-Roman art revealing
a bit too much of the human anatamy.

Answer 7

Well, you can start by saying they were philosophers, when they lived and show her some of the works they produced. My guess is a 10 year old isn't going to be extremely interested.

Answer 8

Easy...They were great thinkers who asked very simple but profound questions about every aspect of the universe in which we live and tried to figure it out. Then explain the essence of what Philosophy is ...Voila!

Answer 9

they taught each other I think, In that order

Greeks

Socrates taught people by asking questions to make them think. Nobody really wanted people to think since its dangerous sometimes, especially when it makes them insist on human rights. They especially don't want the kids to think. They charged him with corrupting the kids and made him drink poison. I think our society would do pretty much the same thing to him.

Answer 10

Ask Keanu Reeves - He met them whilst filming Bill and Ted