Best of the Best: Greek Philosophers Quiz

Answer: Math

Thales, known as the "Father of Science" was one of the Seven Sages of Greece. After studying Egyptian and Babylonian contributions in mathematics and astronomy, he began to formulate his own ideas. He believed the basic element of the universe was water.

In the field of mathematics, he used geometry and was the first to use deductive reasoning in math by formulating "Thales' Theorem". It is said that his understanding of triangles enabled him to measure the height of the pyramids using their shadows; he did this when his own shadow was equal to his height and made the comparison.

It is interesting to note that Aristotle, who was admired by centuries of scholars, called Thales the first Greek philosopher.

Answer: Gnomon

A student of the great Thales, Anaximander believed the basic stuff of the universe was what he called "apeiron", or "the Boundless", which consisted of earth, wind, fire, and water. Many believe he deserves the title "Father of Cosmology" for his thought that earth was free-floating and didn't need to rest on anything.

His thinking led Anaximander to draw maps, ponder the origin of humans, and observe thunder and lightning as meteorological phenomena, not the wrath of the gods. While he did not invent the gnomon (the Babylonians probably did), it is believed that he understood how to readjust it in a latitude different from Mesopotamia.

Answer: Atoms

Democritus was a follower of Leucippus, who is reported in some sources as being the founder of the atomic theory; however, many have called Democritus "the "father of modern science". Known as the "Laughing Philosopher" for his cheerfulness and ability to laugh at the foolishness of others, Democritus theorized that the earth was originally composed of nothing but small atoms that eventually collided to form larger units which in turn formed the earth and everything on it.

His work also encompassed the fields of mathematics, anthropology, cosmology, and biology.

Answer: Pythagoras

The belief of Pythagoras that the tones of the planets corresponded to notes of the musical scale, created a relationship between music and numbers that became part of his theories. He analyzed the lyre, and found that the vibrations of the strings varied in proportion to the diameter and length.

The fact that harmonies in music could be expressed as numbers (thirds, fifths, octaves) reinforced his idea that numbers were the basic stuff of which the universe was made. While the Pythagorean Theorem probably first came from Babylon or India, it is believed that he or his students constructed the first proof.

Answer: Hippocrates

Hippocrates rejected the common belief that illnesses were caused by the gods; he sought natural causes for illnesses. Unfortunately, after Hippocrates died, there were not many scientists who tried to continue his work; he was so respected that his teachings were considered to be too great to improve. Approximately five hundred years later, Galen became the next well-respected physician. Over the centuries many of his ideas were found to be incorrect; however, Hippocrates is still known today as the "Father of Medicine", and doctors still take the Hippocratic Oath (or equivalent).

Answer: Air

Anaximenes is said to have chosen air as the basic stuff because when it condenses it becomes visible as mist, rain, and other types of precipitation. He believed that when condensed air cools it went on to form other substances. Anaximenes also explained the origin of the cosmos, as well as phenomena in nature such as earthquakes, lightning, and rainbows.

Answer: "Everything flows and nothing remains the same".

Heraclitus of Ephesus believed that the world is always in a state of change. Plato explained this idea by saying "No one steps in the same river twice". His theory that fire was the basic stuff of the universe was part of the change that he saw. He proposed that fire was transformed into water; half of the water turned back into fire, while the other half turned into earth.

Answer: Socrates

Like all citizens of Athens, Socrates served in the army when necessary. Alcibiades, a well-known student of Socrates, described his bravery in battle, and even claimed that Socrates saved his life. It is interesting to note, however, that Alcibiades may have been the student whose disloyalty to Athens brought about the charges of corrupting the youth that Socrates faced during his trial. Socrates left behind no writings, but after his death Plato and Xenophon wrote the "Socratic Dialogues", which recorded some of his discussions with fellow Athenians, as well as discussions between his students about his teachings.

Answer: Plato

Both Plato and his teacher, Aristotle, believed that democracy was a bad form of government. In his work, "The Republic", Plato described what he thought was the ideal state, where all citizens, who adhered to the virtues of courage, truth, wisdom, and moderation, were utilized according to their abilities and talents.

There were three categories in this perfect community of five thousand: workers, soldiers, and the philosopher-king, who would be chosen at an early age and taught how to devote himself to the study of philosophy. Dionysius II, the tyrant of Syracuse, invited Plato to supervise the education of a group of children chosen to study to be philosopher kings.

While Plato's experiment failed, Aristotle's found some success with his famous student, Alexander the Great.

Answer: Aristotle

While Aristotle's teacher, Plato, founded a famous school called the Academy, he founded the Lyceum after returning to Athens from his stay in Macedonia as Alexander's mentor. His school became known as the "peripatetic school" because he walked with his students as he taught.

Although Aristotle is known for many contributions in the field of science, he also wrote a book called "Politics", which analyzed the constitutions of 158 places, including Athens. While his death marked the end of the great era of Greek philosophy, the ideals of the philosophers have influenced countless numbers of people throughout history.