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An Introduction to Greek Philosophy

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An Introduction to Greek Philosophy

By: David Roochnik, The Great Courses
Narrated by: David Roochnik
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About this listen

More than 2,500 years later, the fundamental questions asked by the ancient Greeks continue to challenge, fascinate, and instruct us. Is reality stable and permanent or is it always changing? Are ethical values like justice and courage relative? What is justice? What is happiness? How shall we best live our lives?

In this series of 24 lectures, Professor Roochnik invites you to join this eternal discussion. You'll study the development of Greek philosophy, meet its major thinkers, and explore the issues and ideas that concerned them, from the Pre-Socratic concerns with "Being" to the staggering contributions of Plato and Aristotle.

Alfred North Whitehead, the great 20th-century British philosopher, said, "The safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato." In the Middle Ages, Aristotle was held in such high esteem that he was simply known as "the philosopher."

In this course, you not only learn about Greek philosophy but, to some extent, how to do it. Professor Roochnik emphasizes that Greek philosophy is ultimately not about facts or answers but about the give-and-take of ideas. By joining the conversation, you will come away with a new appreciation for how Greek philosophy still heavily influences our view of life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great Courses Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Classics Collections Greek Philosophy

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A good introduction to some fundamental philosophical movements, thoughts and considerations. The structure and progression is clear and purposeful, and I especially liked how the lecturer approaches a problem from boleros directions to make it clear.

In some respects, some of the points are a little laboured, but otherwise very good.

Good Introduction and Overview

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David has a way of re-emphasising the important elements. Helped a lot with my A Level teaching.

Supportive teaching

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Thoroughly enjoyable and informative. Paced well. Great lecturer. Includes pdf notes. Highly recommended listen

Highly recommended

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I would recommend getting started with this before you jump into Michael Sugrue's lectures on Greek and Roman philosophy as it is broader and helps set the stage somewhat. Rooch I'm does a good job of helping us to see how the ancient Greeks taught and they're not very different from the way in which we think, the major difference being the huge advancements in science,2hich have given us a clearer picture of what nature is really about. But I really saw through this series that the ancient Greeks were pretty much dealing with the same issues we deal with today. The 2500 year gap has been shrunk and I feel more connected. They don't seem so distant anymore. I will be spending the next few years, I think, continuing to delve into the Greeks and Romans in order to better understand where we are today as a culture.

A Great Overview of Greek Philosophy

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I thoroughly enjoyed this course. The lecturer is a great teacher and explainer. I particularly liked that he made very clear which statements were his opinion or were otherwise open to interpretation.

Superb Course

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