WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? WHO WAS SOCRATES?

PA @ 71

OBJECTIVES

• SWBAT define philosophy and identify Socrates as a leader in Greek philosophy.

• SWBAT understand Socrates’ method through a differentiated version of a primary document.

Do Now: Choose one of the following:

• Can you ever know everything? Why/Why not?

• Is it important to study questions with no answers? Why/Why not?

What is Philosophy?

• Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.

• Philosophers ask the “big questions”, questions with no right or wrong answers.

• As we analyze the “big questions”, we gain a better understanding of ourselves and our world.

What are the “big questions”?

• Who are we?• Where did we come from?• Where are we going?• What makes a person good or bad?• What is government?

At your groups, come up with your own “big questions.”

Socrates (470-399 BCE)

• On the streets of Athens, Socrates was an ugly, dirty old man with bare feet, asking questions and challenging anyone he encountered on the street.

• This dirty old man was the most important single person in the history of philosophy.

Socrates (470-399 BCE)

• Socrates questioned himself, the world around him and challenged his fellow Athenians to do the same.

• It made him a very controversial figure—and led to his trial and death.

Activity

• We are going to read a dialogue written by Plato, one of Socrates’ students.

• As you read along, answer these questions:1. What does Socrates care about?2. What is Socrates willing to give up for his

beliefs?3. How would most Athenians feel about

Socrates’ beliefs?