Ancient Greek Philosophy

PHILOSOPHERS

Socrates: (469-399 B.C) Plato: (429-348 B.C) Aristotle: (384-322 B.C)

 Socrates: (469-399 B.C)
ABSOLUTE JUSTICE

2 Principle Consideration:

1) No person is intentionally bad or evil because of his or her understanding

of justice.

• absolute knowledge of justice (episteme) vs mere opinion of justice (doxa)

2) Only temperate person knows himself or herself and, thus, able

to bring his or her emotions under control.

• In relation to Gods – virtuous and just

• In relation to Rights and Obligations – what ought and avoid what ought not
• In relation to other Persons – act properly, patiently enduring what is necessary
Socrates’ Motto:
Plato: (429-348
RATIONAL JUSTICE
B.C)
• The “idealist” or “utopian” or “dreamer”

Plato’s Ideas:

1. Idealist, believes in order and harmony, morality and self-

denial

2. Immortality of the soul

3. Virtue as knowledge

4. Theory of Forms – highest .function of the human soul is to

achieve the vision of the form of the good
Plato’s Philosophy
Theory of Forms
A "perfect" example of a Platonic Idealist is Jay Gatsby, who pursues his vision of
perfect Love:
Aristotle: (384-322 B.C)
PARTICULAR JUSTICE

• “A disciple with the equipment of formidable critic”

• “Sound sense’ view of justice

• Proportional Justice vs Numerical Justice

> Proportional Justice – each person receives what she or he is entitled to

on the basis of ability and achievement.

> Numerical Justice – each person, regardless of station in life, counts for
one and only one.

• The hallmark of a person’s moral nature and good faith is fair equality.
Plato vs Aristotle
END