Greek and Hellenistic Philosophy The Greek and Hellenic cultures brought about huge changes for the world, the Greek achievements were exemplified mostly in the fine arts as well as in the search for wisdom, called philosophy, while the Hellenistic culture was formed from the eastern kingdoms and empires. The many philosophers that were brought forth in these eras were alike in several ways. They all wanted self peace and thought that was important to the empire. However; these men found many different ways to go about it. The Greek society brought forth the very first of the great philosophers. One of the first was Socrates who lived from 470-399 B.C.