This course introduces you to the first philosophers in Western history: the ancient Greeks. Even after some 2,500 years the questions they pondered continue to challenge, fascinate, and instruct us.
The lectures begin in 585 B.C.E. with the work of Thales of Miletus, continue through Socrates and Plato, and end in 325 with the achievements of Aristotle. You discuss the vast influence of the Greeks on subsequent Western philosophy and examine the value of their work. Other topics include Plato’s dialogues and concept of the Forms and Aristotle’s teleological (“purposive”) worldview.
You learn that the answers the ancient Greeks provided are still relevant—and may even be better than those offered by modern philosophers.