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An Introduction to Greek Philosophy cover art

An Introduction to Greek Philosophy

By: David Roochnik, The Great Courses
Narrated by: David Roochnik
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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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Superb Course

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.

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  • Overall
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Engaging, coherent, and thought provoking

Dr. Roochnick is a well versed and engaging lecturer on the Greeks. Though his style isn't quite as entertaining as Dr. Robinson, his ability to bind the threads of the presocratics together within the looms of Plato and Aristotle make these lectures well worth the effort.

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1 person found this helpful

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Excellent introduction to Greek philosophy

Where does An Introduction to Greek Philosophy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Ranking it against other great courses as it is not a book. Great introduction to Greek does not go into too much detail, but enough to get on with at the moment. I have to say i have heard it said that the best way to understand philosophy is not to read the books but to have is spoken to you and i would certainly agree with that position

Who was your favorite character and why?

Socrates - constantly asking what is ???

Have you listened to any of Professor David Roochnik’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Liked his enthusiasm

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Socrates death

Any additional comments?

Great intro to a difficult but worthwhile subject

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A Great Overview of Greek Philosophy

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.

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Supportive teaching

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

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Good Introduction and Overview

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.

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Highly recommended

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

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