The three great philosophers who shaped the ancient world.

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were three great Greek philosophers whose ideas shaped the ancient world. Socrates taught Plato, and Plato taught Aristotle.

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Socrates (469/470-399 BC) was a Greek philosopher and is considered the father of western philosophy. Plato was his most famous student and would teach Aristotle who would then tutor Alexander the Great. By this progression, Greek philosophy, as first developed by Socrates, was spread throughout the known world during Alexander's conquests.

Socrates was the first to make a clear distinction between the body and the soul. He said that the soul was actually more important than the body. He had an enquiring mind, and taught by asking questions about life. Some people did not like his teachings, and this noble man was finally put to death. His teachings were written down by Plato, his student.

Plato founded a school of philosophy called the Academy, which is believed to be the first university in the western world. Plato’s most important work was ‘The Republic’, in which he explains his philosophy.

Aristotle was a student of Plato, and studied at the Academy. He later founded his own school of philosophy called ‘The Lyceum’. His most important contribution may have been his invention of logic, and his theories have influenced the western world for centuries.

Socrates Quotes

The unexamined life is not worth living. -Socrates

True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing. -Socrates

Plato Quotes

Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -Plato

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. -Plato

Aristotle Quotes

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. -Aristotle