PHI 205 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Xenophanes, Sophist, Agnosticism
Document Summary
The ancient provenance of philosophy: the presocratics and the sophists. Had its roots in greek literature: homer"s odyssey and iliad, hesiod"s works and days. These works contained stories, narratives, and myths about gods: were essentially the ancient greek equivalent of bibles. Additionally, they were not just stories about gods, but also people. They were stories, people, and gods representative of ar te: ar te means virtue or excellence . Background of the political arrangement of athens at the time: Monarchy and priesthood tended to rule: not much freedom or ability to contribute to the government/laws. Then, a proto-democracy emerged: not democracy like we think of it today. Still, however, it was very unusual for its time: had to be wealthy, land-owning patriarch (or son of a patriarch) These individuals got to have a say or vote. At times, required to be jurors, make decisions, be judges, etc: it became valuable to be articulate.
