4. The word philosophy comes from two
Greek words: philos (love) and Sophia
(wisdom). The ancient Greeks used this
to refer to “love of wisdom” and they
soon applied it to the study or discipline
that uses human reason to investigate
the ultimate causes, reasons, and
principles which govern all things.
5. People who engage in philosophy are
called philosophers or lovers of wisdom.
Among the ancient Greeks, the
philosophers became pioneers in various
fields of knowledge such as history,
biology, medicine, mathematics,
astronomy, and even physics. It was quite
common to hear of ancient philosopher
who were “experts” in various fields of
learning.
6. The following are the most notable ancient
Greek philosophers.
Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE) – a
mathematician and scientist, he was
credited with formulating the Pythagorean
theorem. His work earned him many
followers, and he established a community
of learners who were devoted to the study
of religion and philosophy.
7. • Heraclitus (535 BCE to 475 BCE) He
proposed that everything that exists is
based on a higher order or plan which he
called logos. For him, change is a
permanent aspect of the human
condition as he was credited with the
saying, “No man ever steps in the same
river twice.”
8. • Democritus (460 BCE to 370
BCE) He devoted himself to the
study of the causes of natural
phenomena. He was among the
first to propose that matter is
composed of tiny particles called
atoms.
9. • Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE) He
was a known advocate of living a simple and
virtuous life. For Diogenes, one should not only
talk of virtue but should show it in words and
actions. His emphasis on austerity and simplicity
often went to the extreme, and he was said to
have lived like a beggar. He was also known to be
a vocal critic of well-known philosopher such as
Plato and Aristotle. His teachings and views were
10. later developed by his followers
and influenced the
development of several schools
of philosophy such as Cynicism
and Stoicism.
11. • Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE) He
believed that philosophy could enable
man to live a life of happiness. His
views gave rise to Epicureanism – a
school of philosophy which believes
that wisdom and simple living will
result in a free of fear and pain.
12. • Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE) – He
was considered the foremost philosopher
of ancient times. He made great
contributions to the field of ethics.
Socrates was a known critic of
intellectuals during his time, but he
himself did not claim to be wise but
considered himself as “midwife”. He was
known for his Socratic method.
13. • Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE) a
student of Socrates. He was for
his Theory of Forms, Dialectic
method, and the founding of the
Academy.
14. • Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE) A
student of Plato. However, he
disagreed with Plato’s theory of
forms and took a different stand. He
is known for his deduc
tive reasoning.
15. Activity 1:
1. Make your own definition of the word philosophy.
2. Give the names of the Ancient Philosophers and their
contributions to the society.
Activity 2:
1. Give 5 reasons that compel a person to engage in
philosophical thinking.
2. Give 5 benefits that you can get in philosophizing.
