The Greek World The ancient Greeks laid the foundation for many aspects of today’s Western civilization. In philosophy, they embraced critical thinking and self-examination to answer age-old questions about human existence. The first school for higher education was founded by Plato in Athens. Politically, democracy became a new form of government that placed governmental power in the hands of common citizens. In literature, they wrote poems, plays, historical, and educational documents. They introduced dramatic performances as a form of entertainment. Artistically, they set the mark on perfect beauty by using symmetry and balance.
The quest for a deeper understanding of human existence began with Socrates when he challenged his students to seek knowledge within themselves. Socrates, who believed that each individual possessed all knowledge (97), posed questions to his students which required them to delve into their own thoughts and feelings for the answers. Socrates’ methods and ideas were not accepted by everyone, though. The political leaders felt his teachings were corrupting the young people in Athens and …show more content…
The United States, for example, is a democratic republic. Eligible voters elect representatives who in turn are responsible for the day-to-day workings of the government. While the public does vote for a particular presidential candidate, the actual election of the president relies on votes obtained through the Electoral College system. France, also a democratic republic, uses the popular vote of the eligible voters to elect their president. The president then appoints the prime minister. Canada, a part of the United Kingdom, is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The members of parliament are elected by eligible voters and the head of state is considered to be the monarch in
The quest for a deeper understanding of human existence began with Socrates when he challenged his students to seek knowledge within themselves. Socrates, who believed that each individual possessed all knowledge (97), posed questions to his students which required them to delve into their own thoughts and feelings for the answers. Socrates’ methods and ideas were not accepted by everyone, though. The political leaders felt his teachings were corrupting the young people in Athens and …show more content…
The United States, for example, is a democratic republic. Eligible voters elect representatives who in turn are responsible for the day-to-day workings of the government. While the public does vote for a particular presidential candidate, the actual election of the president relies on votes obtained through the Electoral College system. France, also a democratic republic, uses the popular vote of the eligible voters to elect their president. The president then appoints the prime minister. Canada, a part of the United Kingdom, is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The members of parliament are elected by eligible voters and the head of state is considered to be the monarch in