This article describes the classical athenian philosophy of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The philosophies of these three great thinkers represent the initial, nourishing fruits emerging from the roots laid down in earlier periods. The article also questions the relevance of some of their core ideas to the modern lifestyle and technological prowess.
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In the sixth Century BC, the pre-Socratic philosophers established a tradition of rational inquiry that has shaped Western intellectual history. Their diverse and innovative ideas set the stage for subsequent philosophical, scientific, and metaphysical developments and continue to influence modern thought.
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Resources from the Shepway and District u3a Science, Philosophy and Spirituality Seminar on The Roots of Western Thought: 31st January 2024.
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Explore the intricate evolution of Western intellectual history in this 14-module seminar series turned article, ‘From Pythagoras to Particle Physics: A Journey through Western Thought.’ Discover how ancient Greek philosophy laid the bedrock for modern scientific inquiry, ethical frameworks, and democratic governance. Dive into pivotal moments in history, from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment, and examine the challenges and opportunities posed by the Anthropocene epoch. This comprehensive overview offers thought-provoking insights into how the West’s intellectual trajectory has shaped our world, and critically assesses the future of democracy in light of emerging philosophical perspectives and real-world governance innovations.
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Modern Science arose within a context dominated by Western Philosophy with its roots in ancient Greece, as we will see in later units of this course. Eastern Philosophy, with its roots in ancient Chinese thought, makes very different assumptions about the nature of reality. The resources on this web page supported the discussions at this module of the course
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