Greek Philosophy?

Question

Would you say that when philosophy made a mark on Ancient Greece, this was a break through as it differed from the traditional customs? People thought they had the answers and then there were people who questioned if they really knew everything. I was watching a documentary about it and thought it was interesting. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

Athenians established rhetoric, which required a systematic way of discussing things (the source of debate).  In the democratic system, everyone had a chance to be heard--kind of unwieldly without a system!  There was a culture of discussion, debate, and the establishment of a rudimentary scientific method.  Also, philosophers were revered as long as they didn't rock the boat, as did Socrates.  You could debate but not be "heretical."  Greek debate also led to dramatic theater, so it's an interesting development of history in (primarily but not exclusively) Athens.