An Introduction to Greek Philosophy

Check out a brief introduction to Greek Philosophy, Plato, and Aristotle.

I would like to add the five branches of philosophy to the discussion. Use your understanding of the branches of philosophy to understand where Plato, Aristotle, yourself, politicians, religions, etc. are coming from). Arguments for or against a particular view are fought on these grounds. If you want to attack certain political views, for example, you can challenge the metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics the view is based on. Check their premises to find contradictions and irrationality at the root and you will have won your case against that view.

1. Metaphysics- The study of existence (Is this universe the only existence, or are there other existences out there like Heaven and Hell?).
2. Epistemology- How we acquire knowledge about existence (For this world, we use our senses and our reasoning mind to acquire knowledge and work within the metaphysical world. If you were to believe in Heaven and Hell, epistemologically you would be saying that knowledge of existence can be acquired outside of your senses or outside of your own actual experiences within reality i.e. Faith- accepting something exists metaphysically without actual evidence or proof that it exists. Can you know something without actually knowing it?).
3. Ethics- What actions are right/wrong for an individual (How should I act? With independence, rationality, integrity, honesty, productiveness, etc. According to Ernesto Fernandez, Aristotle's view was that our "natural function is to exercise virtue.")
4. Politics- What actions are right/wrong for society (How should society act? Protect the rights of individuals: the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness).
5. Aesthetics- The study of art (what can be and ought to be).

Here's a wonderful chart of everything included within each branch for the philosophy of objectivism.