Socrates, Ancient Athenian Philosophy and Wisdom. Philosophy Classes for Children.

Dear reader,

I bring you more Socrates materials for our learning as parents and, soon, tools (including a free Lesson Plan) to introduce this master of questioning to our children.

Below, you will find 2 of my poems about Socrates, which can be used as materials for reading and comprehension, links to philosophy classes, a free class link (using it will be though because they have too many good choices, take your time to find your favorite class), and links for Socrates study.

Poetry is great for the Socratic Method, actually.

Plato: student of Socrates, teacher of Aristotle, who was the teacher of Alexander the Great: some of the most famous names in history and wisdom.

To be able to home educate or homeschool, we must educate ourselves first. Also, by learning, we inspire our children to do the same.

Related Outschool Classes and Tutors. Scroll to get your free class!!!

Outschool is my preferred tutor program, and my three oldest daughters have had many Outschool classes. We enjoy the program so much that I became an ambassador for them. This means I share the classes and teachers I love, and they pay me in free class credits at no cost to you.

Outschool has a bunch of classes for everything. They do not have a class on Socrates, but they have loads of ancient history classes, and I just found too many philosophy classes to share. Outschool is international and likely in your country as well.


Philosophy classes for children on Outschool
Philosophy classes on Outschool
Philosophy classes on Outschool

Deep Thinkers – Weekly Philosophy Discussion


US Grade 4 – 7
Explore the world of ideas and challenge your perceptions in ‘Deep Thinkers,’ a unique online philosophy class designed specifically for young minds.

This isn’t your typical classroom experience; here, we delve into life’s biggest questions and the mysteries of existence in a fun, interactive, and engaging manner.

Through engaging discussions and thought-provoking exercises, students will journey through a diverse range of philosophical concepts, from understanding the abstract concept of time to discussing human nature and even delving into fascinating ideas like simulation theory. But don’t be intimidated by these ‘big’ topics. Each idea is broken down and presented in a way that’s both accessible and relevant to our students’ experiences.

https://outschool.com/classes/deep-thinkers-weekly-philosophy-discussion-iWfptOAP?refuid=XqYUyJwg


Another philosophy class for children
This teacher uses the Socratic Method (Socrates philosophy of questioning)

https://outschool.com/classes/philosophy-for-children-logic-critical-thinking-and-wondering-about-the-world-Z7lr88r4?refuid=XqYUyJwg


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Outschool lets your kids’ curiosity run wild with classes on any topic you can imagine. If you’re new to Outschool, you’ll get $20 USD referral credit with this link:

https://outschool.com/parents/4619c2ca-b8bf-41ca-8022-360fb68c720b/e973a1f4-a2d0-463d-87c4-95d8a90c8352?signup=false&usid=XqYUyJwg&utm_campaign=share_invite_web_share_api

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AZ’s ESA covers the cost of these classes if you have one. I believe ESAs from other states such as Florida cover the costs as well.


Socrates, a poem.

Socrates in the Shadows

In the quiet halls where shadows lie,
A thinker walks ‘neath a boundless sky,
His breath a whisper in ancient wind,
A voice of reason, fierce and thin.

He stands where darkness cloaks the land,
A world enslaved by iron hand,
The political woes, a heavy yoke,
Yet in his heart, no fear awoke.

“Do you not see?” he calls with grace,
“The chains that bind, the darkened space,
Are but illusions, thin and frail,
For wisdom’s light shall never pale.”

With valor bold, he questions all,
The gods above, the shadows’ call,
He seeks the truth where others flee,
In courage fierce, his mind roams free.

He strides through doubts and silent fears,
His voice a beacon through the years,
He asks of us: “What makes us wise?
Is it in gold or in the skies?”

“No,” he says, “it’s in the soul,
In questioning the tyrant’s role,
In seeking truth where shadows play,
In daring to defy the fray.”

For in the face of cruel despair,
When tyrants’ lies fill up the air,
It’s in the quest for wisdom’s grace,
That we reclaim our rightful place.

“Rise above the darkened gloom,”
He whispers in the dim-lit room,
“Embrace the light, the questions bold,
And let your wisdom break the mold.”

In every mind, his spirit sows,
A seed of courage, wisdom grows,
In questioning, we find the key,
To break the chains and set us free.

So heed the call of Socrates,
In every shadow, find the peace,
For in the search for truths untold,
We find the courage to be bold.

Sources for further study: free, online: I’ll offer additional sources soon.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Socrates

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/socrates

Stay tuned for more coming on this topic, including the free Lesson Plan for our children.

If this helped or inspired you, let me know so I can do more like this. I loved it, but I’ll share more if you like it, too.

If you have questions about Outschool tutoring, let me know in the comments

Note: This was a quick poem that I will most definitely edit when I complete the final Lesson Plan on this subject (the whole package I’m preparing which will take me some time, because I don’t want to rush it.

With the intention to inspire learning, thinking, and questioning,

Eve

Socrates: Ancient Greek Philosopher. The Wisest Man Ever Born?

Dear reader,

Let us talk about Socrates, the ancient Athenian philosopher.

First, I’ll include an essay for adults, and coming soon, I’m going to share a free lesson plan for home education parents, just in case you’re looking for educational materials. If you’re a homeschooling parent, and this was helpful, let me know, I’ll be sure to create more like this.

The soon to come lesson plan will be completely free, as my gift to parents. I will continue to develop this lesson plan for use with my kids. I’ll then go about creating materials for my future lesson plan, one that will be complete. This will take a lot of time, but I’ll share a lot of sources for your studies if you’re interested in introducing your children to Ancient Philosophy. Stay tuned.

The free Lesson will include

  • A lesson plan to introduce kids to Ancient Philosophy and Socrates
  • The lesson will be tailored for children 8 -12 ( my oldest learners)
  • Several simple poems for reading and  comprehension materials

Socrates. Valor and Fearlessness

Socrates said in his famous trial (the result of which was the Athenians killing him) that the god Apollo had prophesied that there was no wiser man than him.

Socrates went on to inspire wisdom in a level that has not been matched. His student Plato would go on to be the father of philosophy, and Plato’s student, Aristotle (Alexander the Great’s famous teacher), was the father of universities, per this course I listed below.

Source:

Listen to Famous Greeks by J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses on Audible.

https://www.audible.com/pd/B00D8G01VG?source_code=ASSOR150021921000R

Socrates

  • Ancient Athenian
  • Known for questioning everyone
  • “No honest man can survive in your democracy. It is so corrupt!” Were hos words to his Athenian oppressors proving his valor and fearlessness
  • Murdered by the Athenians for inpiety

Socrates: The Paragon of Virtue and Philosophy


Socrates, one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy, lived in ancient Athens during the 5th century BCE. His contributions to philosophy, characterized by his commitment to virtue and his fearless stance against the political establishment, have left a lasting legacy.

Legacy and Ideas

Socrates is renowned for his contributions to ethics and epistemology. Unlike his predecessors, who often engaged in speculative and metaphysical inquiry, Socrates focused on practical ethics and the nature of human virtue. His philosophy was grounded in the belief that understanding the nature of virtue was essential for leading a good life. This approach is most famously encapsulated in his assertion that “the unexamined life is not worth living.”

Central to Socratic thought is the Socratic Method, a form of dialectical questioning that aims to stimulate critical thinking and expose contradictions. Through this method, Socrates sought to challenge assumptions and encourage deeper understanding. This approach involves asking a series of questions to help individuals arrive at their own conclusions, rather than providing them with answers. The goal is to foster clarity of thought and promote self-awareness.

Socrates also introduced the concept of “Socratic irony,” where he professed ignorance to draw out the knowledge of others. This tactic allowed him to reveal the ignorance of those who claimed to possess knowledge, thus promoting a deeper exploration of truth.

Valor and Fearlessness

Socrates’ valor and fearlessness are perhaps most evident in his interactions with Athenian politicians and his eventual trial. Socrates lived during a time of significant political turmoil in Athens. His commitment to questioning the status quo and challenging the moral and intellectual complacency of the time often put him at odds with powerful figures.

One of Socrates’ most notable acts of courage was his refusal to abandon his principles, even in the face of severe consequences. During the Peloponnesian War, Athens was under the influence of a series of politically charged events and shifts in power. Socrates remained steadfast in his commitment to questioning the moral and ethical conduct of the politicians and leaders, despite growing hostility.

Socrates’ fearlessness culminated in his trial and subsequent execution. In 399 BCE, Socrates was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. He was sentenced to death by drinking poison hemlock. Despite the gravity of his situation, Socrates faced his fate with remarkable composure, continuing to question and discuss philosophical issues up until his final moments. His willingness to accept death rather than compromise his beliefs is seen as a testament to his commitment to truth and virtue.

Conclusion

Socrates’ legacy endures through his profound impact on philosophy and his embodiment of intellectual courage. His method of questioning, dedication to virtue, and resistance to political pressure have inspired countless individuals to seek truth and live a life of moral integrity. Socrates’ life and teachings continue to be a beacon for those who value wisdom, ethical rigor, and the courage to stand up for one’s beliefs. His unwavering pursuit of truth in the face of adversity exemplifies the highest ideals of philosophical inquiry and personal virtue.

If this was inspiring or helpful, let me know, I would love to do more like this.

Stay tuned for an upcoming free lesson plan to introduce children to Socrates and Athenian philosophy,

Eve