History Shorts: Aristotle's Death (322 B.C.)

Aristotle was the universal philosopher. Plato’s student covered every conceivable topic including physics, metaphysics, politics, rhetoric, theater, music, medicine, astronomy, biology, and ethics. His influence extended long beyond his death. In fact, scholars looked to Aristotle for guidance well into the Renaissance. Some of his scientific observations were not confirmed until the 19th century. His work is still examined and studied to this day.


From Alexander (Christopher Plumber):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW7m_9NOYzI


Quotations (Leonard Nimoy narrates):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n-AlcJnXIk

The Big Aristotle (Shaq):

http://pottheiser.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/smjp2_26723.jpg

History Shorts: The Death of Plato (347 B.C.)

Socrates’ student Plato formed the first institution of higher learning in the west. He, along with Socrates and Aristotle, helped lay the foundation of western science and philosophy. His studies included philosophy, logic, ethics, and rhetoric. Plato used dialogues with Socrates as the main character to put forth his ideas regarding metaphysics, nature of forms, epistemology, and the state. His best known work, The Republic, envisions a society ruled by philosopher-kings. People still debate whether The Republic is satire or a critique on the failures of democracy. Plato died in 347 B.C. His student, Aristotle, continued and expanded his teacher’s work.


The Cave:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2afuTvUzBQ

A modern look at Philosopher-Kings (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dyjnqc0J28&feature=related

Plato in 2 minutes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx-jvt4ndCs

The Republic (from around 1950):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S01zznTcBw8

History Shorts: The Death of Socrates (399 B.C.)

Socrates annoyed Athenians. He was vocally anti-democratic and critical of the ability of the masses to make informed decisions. Also, some of his students turned traitor during the Peloponnesian War. Lastly, his students were young aristocrats meaning Socrates teachings could undermine Athens itself. As a result, the city tried the philosopher for corrupting the youth and impiety (he also questioned the existence of the gods). His fellow citizens found him guilty and sentenced Socrates to death. In 399 B.C., he drank hemlock ending his life. Interestingly, Socrates was offered the opportunity to escape into exile, but declined. Perhaps he was curious about what comes after death.

Although Socrates trial is fascinating in itself, the philosopher is an important figure in world civilization. He changed the nature of western philosophy. Pre-Socratics focused on the physical nature of the universe. Socrates introduced the question-answer-question method of inquiry. After Socrates, philosophers began searching for truth. His method is still used in classrooms and law schools to this day.

Here is Socrates in popular culture:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwaFkPMdlY

The Trial of Socrates:

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/socrates/socrates.HTM

History Shorts: Confucius (551 B.C.-479 B.C.)

Confucius was an ancient Chinese philosopher and political thinker. He emphasized personal and governmental morality and the correct nature of social and familial relationships and justice. Confucian thinking eventually transformed into a movement and surpassed Legalism and Taoism for prominence in Han China.  Confucius remains influential to this day and is one of the world's great philosophical traditions.

A clip on Confucius:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR6Xdy8MHKg

An example of Confucius in pop culture (from Charlie Chan):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qExKnbsWQro

Turning Points in History: Confucius (551-479 BC)

Confucius is one of history’s great philosophers. His teachings have influenced China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Japan. All he wanted was a government job. He never got it and thought his life a failure.

Confucius lived in an unstable time in Chinese history. It was a period of corruption and endless warfare. He wanted to return China to a golden age. So, he pushed for conservative reforms. The Chinese sage emphasized governmental morality, justice, and correct social etiquette.

His rules for behavior were strict. They dealt with personal morality and ethics. He also believed in merit and learning. His thoughts slowly gained strength and were ascendant about 300 years after his death. In the 20th century, the Maoists attempted to eliminate all Confucian thinking from China. They believed it antiquated. They failed and Confucius remains important to China and the Far East to this day.

Important writings include: Analects and The Five Classics.