Plato, and Aristottle, as we will explore though these pages, are in fact, just recycled compilations of the pre-socratic philosophers that preceeded them.

 

  Now it is true that each in their turn added to the discussion, and are remembered as such. Beyond this, in fact, once in a long while, an original thought emerges.

 

  The catch is, that ussually original thoughts, are merely a reflection of what every one is thinking. It is the philosopher that puts this into words. It is for this reason that philosophy is important.

 

  To understand the world we live in, we can't just point to a computer, and say this is the wave of the future, and expect, from that for someone to understand the complexities of online dating. We have to build our way to that point.

 

  So it is with Philosophy. The modern concepts of how we view the world were set into motion years ago. The modern philosopher is familiar with the concepts, and so they know where it is they can contribute. For this, it is best to start from the beginning.

 

Ancient Philosophy in general is considered to have started with Thales, and the pre-socratic movement. After the execution of Socrates, in the dialogues of Plato, the basic debate of the pre-socratic philosophy  is combined into a system that allows for both to be true, yet gives the greater authority to the side of Parmenides. After this, Aristottle, improved upon the system of Plato, by utilizing a more scientific approach, in which the views of Herclatius are favored.

 

  Time to take a step back, before we proceed.

 

  Herclatius argues that the only constant is change.

 

  Parmenides argues that the universe is unchanging without beginning or end.

 

  Plato combines these by saying the percieved universe is in a state of dynamic flux, and thus an imperfect truth, or a shadow of the absolute idea, which is a static, or unchanging quality; and thus truth can only be understood through abstract reasoning.

 

  Aristottle expands the system of Plato, by formalizing logic, creating an encyclopedic compilation of knowledge, and validating his work through observation and experimentation.

 

  These writings in general can be considered to be the Golden Age of Ancient Philosophy. However, the ancient world continued on, and as the era of empires dawned, philosophic debate continued, however it transformed with the age.

 

  Perhaps the most famous of the Hellenistic Philosophers would be Diogenes Laertius. The master stoic, lived in the streets, and was sometimes referred to as Diogenes the Dog, for his crude behavior. While he wrote of the lives and discoveries of the philosophers before him, it is perhaps fitting the most entertaining story told of him was by the great historian Plutarch.

 

  Alexander the Great had just captured Athens, and he had heard of this man called Diogenes, so he sought out the vagrant. Upon finding him, he say's, ' Tell me what it is, That I; Alexander the Great, can do for you, yet know, what you ask of me, I will ask of Athens.'

 

  To this Diogenes responds, ' Take three steps back, '

 

'You're blocking my sun.'

 

  Alexander, smiled and turned away. To this he says, ' If I were not Alexander the Great, I would be Diogenes the Dog.'

 

  Athens was spared, Alexander proceeded to build his mighty Empire, and the bargain was kept, to it's entirety.

 

  Today, the writings of the Great city of Athens have been preserved, much to the wealth of all future generations, because a simple man asked a mighty tyrant to not stand in the way of the sun.

 

  This is the treasure of Ancient Philosophy.