Greek Philosophers Philosophers: ?Lovers of wisdom? Sophists: ?Workers of wisdom? Teachers Thales of Miletus (636-546 BCE) Earliest known philosopher Studies Egyptian and Babylonian astronomy and mathematics Believed that the universe was controlled by fixed laws Basic element- water Pythagoras (582-500 BCE) The universe could only be understood through numbers Sun, moon and earth revolved around a central fire Pythagorean Theorem Protagoras (485-410 BCE) Most famous of the sophists Believed that reason and knowledge should be used to achieve a comfortable, safe and happy life Teachings to equip citizens for life in the polis Public speaking Politics Grammar Being respectable Plato names one of his dialogues after him Socrates (469-399 BCE) Encouraged students to think