religious studies a level 2

Philosophy, originating from the Greek words philos and sophia, is the love of wisdom and involves pondering life's biggest questions. Plato and Aristotle are two of the most important thinkers in the history of philosophy, and Plato's written works are the earliest surviving writings of Greek philosophy. Plato was a pupil of Socrates, who was renowned for his method of teaching by questioning and was eventually sentenced to death by poison.

Plato was present during Socrates' trial and produced philosophical writings in the form of dialogues, where Socrates was the main character. Plato's early dialogues provide a fairly accurate portrayal of the real Socrates as a great educator who encouraged independent thought. Both Socrates and Plato believed in the existence of an immortal soul and a higher spiritual realm. They are called dualists, as they believed that the true essence of a person is their soul, which can survive the death of the physical body.

This document discusses the beliefs of Richard Dawkins, Plato, and Aristotle. Plato's philosophy includes the idea that true knowledge comes from reason rather than relying on senses, and that there are two realms: the inferior sensory world and the higher spiritual realm of true knowledge. Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" tells a story of prisoners trapped in a cave who mistake shadows for reality, representing those who rely too heavily on their senses. Plato also believed in the Theory of Forms, which states that everything in the…