Summary of Paul Kleinman's Philosophy 101

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The roots of Western philosophy can be found in the work of Greek philosophers during the fifth and sixth centuries. These philosophers, later referred to as pre-Socratic, started to question the world around them. Rather than attributing their surroundings to the Greek gods, they searched for more rational explanations. #2 The term pre-Socratic refers to the differences in ideology and principles between the pre-Socratic philosophers and those of Socrates. While many pre-Socratic philosophers produced texts, none have survived and most of what we know about the pre-Socratic philosophers is based on the fragments of text that remain and the quotes of later historians and philosophers, which were usually biased. #3 The ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras believed that the basis of all reality was mathematical relations. He believed that numbers were sacred, and with the use of mathematics, everything could be measured and predicted. #4 The school of Elea was the first to use pure reason as the only criterion for finding truth. They believed that reality didn’t have to do with the world we experience, and that it could be understood through reason alone.