Discuss the pivotal roles of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle and their contributions to Western philosophy?

Answer 1

That would take an entire volume!
Find all about them on the Internet!

Answer 2

Can we just agree, overall, that these guys had a dualistic mode of thinking that has pervaded the western world? I think that might do it.

If we could use art and beauty as an example....that is how I have come to know Plato and Ari. Not sure how I can work Socrates into this yet.

Plato does not think much of the poets (artists). He thinks poetry is bad because it stirs emotions. Plato thinks emotions cloud the mind, and that prevents us fom embracing reason...and reason is the ultimate for Plato. (I'm really, really simplifying this.)

In his ideal State, Plato would censor poets, artists.

Aristotle's view differs from Plato in that art, while imitative, can be used to educate/benefit people. Whereas Plato would worry that man may not recognize the "real" tree, because it is so far removed from God's intent, Aristotle would say, "well, at least man got the idea that it's a tree and it's pretty."

So, having totally oversimplified Plato and Aristotle: Plato was a mind only kind of guy...emotions, feelings, sensitivity, heart, gut, OUT. Aristotle....willing to listen.

So what happens is, Plato for whatever reason he sets the tone. Even though we live in North America and our country is only a few hundred years old, here we are...Plato has totally controlled western thought...

things that are logical are superior
things that are feeling are inferior

this is why science and math are held in high esteem
this is why language is held in low esteem
there really is a dichotomy if you care to look.

science and math vs. language and religion

what really messes this up is that dichotomy breaks down even further:

male (science, math, engineering, logic)
vs.
female (language, religion, feeling)

so what happens is, what is thought of as male is superior and what is thought of as female is inferior

I lay this all at Plato's doorstep.

Now Plato was the originator of this, and Aristotle was softer on these ideas than Plato. I can't fix Socrates for you. He was more of a questioner, and such an idealist I think he offed himself.

You are going to have to go and research Socrates.

I'm going to bed.

Answer 3

Ah, three of the most prominant philosophers in Greek society. Plato is said to be one of the greatest thinkers in Greek history, or probably in any history. He contributed a great deal to things like the modern theory of communism, the very way we look at defining words (like Justice), and in general provided a great look into the philosophical concept of the Socratic Method---that is, because he's responsible for the Dialogues of Socrates. People believe Socrates might not have even been a real person, though I think that's a bit irrelevant. Either way, both thinkers were extremely skilled in reubtting theses by contradiction. I don't know as much about Aristotle, but as I understand he also had an extreme impact on modern society (if not greater than Plato himself).

Answer 4

Undoubtedly, Socrates , Plato and Aristotle are the greatest contributors to philosophy in general. Ranging from questions like what is a state ? Who is wise ? how should we be governed ? to questions like what is happiness ? and the way the earth works thay effectively lay the foundations for modern day philosophy

Answer 5

Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were Greek.

The End.

Answer 6

The simplest answer is sometimes the most profound: 5 syllables: wi-ki-pe-di-a.

Answer 7

to who i kant belive anyone here would undertsand what happende in their life and why they made a name for them selves

Answer 8

"Discuss" is a sure sign of a homework assignment.