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Back to Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors by University of Pennsylvania

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About the Course

What is philosophy? How does it differ from science, religion, and other modes of human discourse? This course traces the origins of philosophy in the Western tradition in the thinkers of Ancient Greece. We begin with the Presocratic natural philosophers who were active in Ionia in the 6th century BCE and are also credited with being the first scientists. Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximines made bold proposals about the ultimate constituents of reality, while Heraclitus insisted that there is an underlying order to the changing world. Parmenides of Elea formulated a powerful objection to all these proposals, while later Greek theorists (such as Anaxagoras and the atomist Democritus) attempted to answer that objection. In fifth-century Athens, Socrates insisted on the importance of the fundamental ethical question—“How shall I live?”—and his pupil, Plato, and Plato’s pupil, Aristotle, developed elaborate philosophical systems to explain the nature of reality, knowledge, and human happiness. After the death of Aristotle, in the Hellenistic period, Epicureans and Stoics developed and transformed that earlier tradition. We will study the major doctrines of all these thinkers. Part I will cover Plato and his predecessors. Part II will cover Aristotle and his successors....

Top reviews

LC

Aug 4, 2023

Its short duration course but so much new knowledge and conceptual. Really like the way of Socrates questioning and moreover their analysis argument is whole new best ever.

LL

Mar 9, 2016

Good intro to early Greek philosophy. Dr Meyer has a simple and subtly humorous approach to the material. Dr Meyer makes the subject approachable so that the student wants to do further reading.

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251 - 275 of 476 Reviews for Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

By Garry S

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May 2, 2019

Fantastic course. Great content. Just what I was looking for!

By Aliasger S

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Jun 18, 2023

the course is made very easy with analogies and presentations.

By Deleted A

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May 4, 2021

It's very interesting. I sure I will continue with Aristotle.

By Stephen W

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Mar 8, 2017

Wonderful course! Can't wait to start Part 2 of the series...

By Angelo G M B

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Oct 9, 2020

Me pareció fascinante, sorprendente y totalmente apasionante

By Ola K

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Oct 22, 2017

This is the foundation to most, if not all, modern thinking.

By Arijit D

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Apr 2, 2016

Excellent course, a brief survey of pre-Socratic philosophy.

By Xperimental A

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Aug 3, 2025

Me encantó la manera en la que explica los temas la Doctora

By Sabrina M

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May 13, 2021

This course is very good and the teacher is clear and nice.

By David M H Q

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Nov 15, 2020

Ha sido un curso estupendo, deseando de empezar el segundo.

By Amy X

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Aug 8, 2020

this course is a great gift for the world that is in crisis

By Vivek C S

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Mar 29, 2016

Very well delivered and an Enriching learning experience...

By Warren D W

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Oct 10, 2021

Enlightening to say the least. Challenging but rewarding!

By Alexandru T

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Apr 22, 2020

Wonderful introduction to the world of ancient philosophy!

By Natalia G

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Mar 22, 2019

Clear course to get introduced into ancient philosophers.

By Matias J

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Apr 25, 2020

An amazing trip throughout the ancient greek philosophy.

By Michael C

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Jan 3, 2025

Excellent course. Thank you for making this available.

By Rene M

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Sep 30, 2022

Great lectures! This course gave me great knowledge!!!

By Warley R

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Oct 31, 2016

Great course, excellent curriculum and teaching method.

By Najib A A A A

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Aug 12, 2020

This course is very important to understand the living

By CHANTE C

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Jun 9, 2020

Very wholesome experience studying Ancient Philosophy!

By Jary v B

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Mar 8, 2016

Excellent teacher. Great introduction into philosophy.

By Steffen W

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May 30, 2020

fantastic course, very well explained and structured!

By J. N

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Apr 24, 2020

Excellent course and tutor! Highly recommended! AAA++

By Jacob

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Oct 25, 2019

Very well spoken outline of Greek philosophy. Thanks.