Great Philosophers and Lives Well Lived - 1238 Words

There have been many great philosophers throughout time. Socrates, Thomas Aquinas and Rene Descartes all lived during different times. This gave each of them different insights, which helped to create their philosophies and principles of their philosophies. Each philosopher also had a different means as to how they delivered their ideas and teachings. With so many differences the three had one thing in common: A love for wisdom, and the need to share it with others. Socrates was a great philosopher from Ancient Greece. He was the teacher of Plato and Aristotle. While Socrates did not write down what he taught those who studied with him and underneath him made sure his works and legacy would live on. When the class was first†¦show more content†¦In â€Å"On the Principles of Nature†, Aquinas expounded upon the natural philosophies of Aristotle. Aquinas established his three principles to be form, matter, and privation (Aquinas 19). Matter was being in potency , Privation was not-being-in-act, and from was that through which it becomes actual, namely form. Matter and form were principles of being. Neither existed absolutely. Form was the principle of actuality and perfection, while matter was the principle of potentiality and imperfection. Form is what make a thing what it is, and matter is what a thing can be. Matter become form. This is known as Generation (Aquinas 19). Aquinas also used the same four causes which Aristotle used, efficient, material, formal, and final. Aquinas broke things down to the smallest level possible when evaluating them. He did all of this in an attempt to help further explain the soul and the rational soul. He tried to explain it all through reason and the investigation of causes using his principles. This pursuit of Aquinas was inspired by the wonder he had from Theology and Aristotle. The second work of Aquinas, which the class was introduced, further carried on with the previous themes. In â€Å"The Love of Wisdom†, Aquinas once again was working off of teachings by Aristotle. This time he worked in a different style than he had previously. Aquinas broke down the teachings of Aristotle as he had not done before. He tried to make theShow MoreRelatedPlato And Augustine Of Hippo1192 Words   |  5 Pages Some of the most famous people of the ancient world were philosophers. These certain individuals became more well-known than many war heroes and kings because of the ways in which they thought about, and perceived the world. Historians along with other people became fascinated with their ideas. This resulted in their ideas becoming the foundation for the ways in the world thinks today. Some of these people include Plato, and Augustine of Hippo. These men thought about the ways of the world unlikeRead MorePythagoras, Plato, And Plotinus989 Words   |  4 PagesPhilosophers have been known to take the ideas and teachings of other philosophies and then shape their own philosophies from them. Even if they do not outright claim they have done so or that they were influenced by an earlier philosophy, one can still find links between philosophers and their theories. Pythagoras, Plato, and Plotinus, though from all different historical and philosophical periods, formed philosophies similar to one another or built upon aspects from one another’s. Pythagoras (AncientRead MoreModernism : The Age Of Rebellion Essay1228 Words   |  5 Pagesrevolution. Throughout the roaring 20’s, Americans began to think more about life as these rapid changes occurred, thus developing new ways of thinking through many philosophers. 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He lived duringRead MoreVoltaire s Views On England And Candide1528 Words   |  7 PagesVoltaire’s Views A renowned thinker and philosopher of his day, Voltaire’s works were influential to many who read them. To a modern reader with no context, the meanings may be lost. However, to someone reading shortly after publication, the meanings would be obvious. Voltaire’s two works are around twenty years apart and have certain points of continuity and dissent. His views on religion seem to change, while his appreciation for thinkers is a common theme in both works. The key connection betweenRead MoreEpictetus And Epicurus Vs. Nietzsche793 Words   |  4 Pagesthat in order to live the best life possible, it is necessary to reduce human desires. Epicurus argued that if a person can reduce human desires and live a good life â€Å"you will live as a god among men†, similarly, Epictetus says that only this good life is one that is â€Å"free†. 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