Historical+Background

__**Historical Background:**__

At first philosophy’s form was ambiguous, as it started in the form of physics and began in Ionia. These early philosophers were known as pre-Socratic and believed that objects and ideas were unified. These philosophers tried to unwind the unknown principles of things. They later concluded that “all things are in a perpetual flux” acknowledging that the universe is in a state of infinite change. This form of philosophy can be categorized as science instead of philosophy. The answering of these, now trivial, questions was the foundation to the great philosophers (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle). Pythagoras was the first philosopher that connected philosophy and practical life by implying that life should be full of “harmony”. The end of this philosophic era marked the beginning of a new one, in which, Socrates would thrive.

Nomos and Physis were opposing forces in the philosophical world. Anything in the world that consisted of Nomos was disposable and added to the realm societal progression. Tradition and morality were considered Nomos because morality could be compromised with the passing of time. Physis, on the other hand, was the world of indispensable knowledge. A critical question posed by Physis was the "rejection of mythological explanations of the real world". Further exploration of Physis would cause Socrates to question the existence of Gods. This would be detrimental to Socrates' liberty, leading to his imprisonment later resulting in his death.

The quest for virtuous living, //"All the gold that is under or upon the earth is not enough to give in exchange for virtue"//,consumed most of Plato’s life. His thoughts mostly revolved around ethics. Plato’s starting point in the world of philosophy began with the teaching of the Socratic Method. After Socrates was sentenced by the oligarchy, he turned his back on the world of politics choosing philosophy, following Socrates’ steps. Most of Plato’s works consisted of dialogues, which usually contained flat characters.

Elenchus was a method in which employed by Socrates to gain knowledge on virtue. In using this method he questioned people, who claimed to know what virtue was. This method did not amount to a definition, but it discredited his opponents. He constantly questioned everything and anything in order to get answers. Although Socrates is known for being a great philosopher he never documented his techniques. To gain insight one must look to the works of Plato and Xenophon.

Sophists were "those with wisdom" and changed the focus from natural science to the morality exhibited in society. Sophists were a group of techers who traveled and tought, mostly, men who seeked high ranking in society.