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An Introduction to Greek Philosophy

By: David Roochnik, The Great Courses
Narrated by: David Roochnik
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Publisher's Summary

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

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Great overview

This was a nice, concise, episodic intro to philosophy. I feel like I learnt a lot.

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Not sure this is an 'introduction' to philosophy

Introduction to Greek Philosophy this is not. Perhaps a name selected by the marketing team for greater sales. I started with zero knowledge of the subject. The author does start slowly with simple concepts discussed from 'Pre-Socratic' authors. Then quickly you are in 'Classical Philosophy' and wham, jumping from book to book without ever describing the book or setting the scene with the basics. It is like joining a HSC (year 12) English class deep into studying a text you have never read - and you have no opportunity to read it so you are always behind in the game. I have spent a bit of time wondering if I can now go to find a translation of Plato's books to read in English so I can then understand the lectures. That said I know slightly more about greek philosophy now, than the zero I knew before I started this audiobook

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