Ancient Philosophy: Plato & Predecessors
Explore origins of Western philosophy in Ancient Greece. Learn about Presocratic natural philosophers and Plato's philosophical system.
Explore origins of Western philosophy in Ancient Greece. Learn about Presocratic natural philosophers and Plato's philosophical system.
This course traces the origins of Western philosophy in Ancient Greece, starting with the Presocratic natural philosophers of the 6th century BCE. Students will explore the ideas of thinkers like Thales, Anaximander, and Heraclitus, who made bold proposals about the nature of reality. The course then delves into Parmenides' objections to these theories and the responses from later Greek thinkers. A significant focus is placed on Socrates, Plato, and their fundamental ethical and philosophical questions. The course covers major doctrines of these thinkers, providing a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of Western philosophical thought.
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What you'll learn
Understand the origins of Western philosophy in Ancient Greece
Analyze the theories of Presocratic natural philosophers
Explore Parmenides' objections and their impact on later thinkers
Examine Socrates' ethical questions and methods
Study Plato's philosophical system and key concepts
Investigate the nature of reality, knowledge, and human happiness in ancient thought
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
3.9 Hours PreRecorded video
8 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the origins of Western philosophy in Ancient Greece. Students will delve into the thoughts and theories of the Presocratic natural philosophers, including Thales, Anaximander, and Heraclitus, who made groundbreaking proposals about the nature of reality. The course then examines Parmenides' influential objections to these theories and the subsequent responses from later Greek thinkers. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the ideas of Socrates and Plato, focusing on their fundamental ethical questions and elaborate philosophical systems. By studying these major doctrines, students will gain a deep understanding of the foundations of Western philosophical thought and the evolution of key concepts in metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology.
The Milesians & Heraclitus
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Parmenides to Plato
Module 2 · 74 Hours to complete
Plato on Virtue, Teaching, & Justice
Module 3 · 3 Hours to complete
Plato on Reality & Goodness
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructor
Exploring Ancient Philosophy
Dr. Susan Sauvé Meyer is a prominent philosopher specializing in ancient Greek philosophy, with significant contributions to ethical inquiry and natural philosophy. As a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and former chair of the Department of Philosophy, she has influenced both scholarly discourse and academic leadership. Her published works, including Aristotle on Moral Responsibility (1993), Ancient Ethics (2008), and her commentary on Plato: Laws 1 and 2 (2015), showcase her deep engagement with classical texts and ideas. Dr. Meyer’s dedication to the study of ancient thought provides valuable insights into the foundational questions of moral responsibility and ethical traditions.
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4.8 course rating
1,528 ratings
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