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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

MD

Jan 16, 2021

This was my first online course. In a crazy year, the flexibiilty to reset deadlines was much appreciated. I enjoyed the grading system, especially when your peers are from all around the world.

HL

Feb 22, 2022

T​his course is an excellent introduction to reading & learning about ancient philosophers. The videos helped to make the works of Plato, Socrates & many others understandable. Thank you.

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301 - 325 of 480 Reviews for Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

By Thomas O

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Nov 2, 2016

Quick overview, but very interesting course.

By Sohini B

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Feb 21, 2016

The lectures are excellent and interesting.

By ANDREA A G D L T E

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May 26, 2020

Concise videos and interesting reflections

By Carlos H

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Feb 6, 2024

Aprendi muito. Obrigado pela oportunidade

By Pedro I d L S

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Sep 23, 2021

Great and very didactic for a 1st course!

By Hércules C

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Mar 10, 2021

Excellent! Well structured an presented.

By Maksim O

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Mar 15, 2016

An excellent introduction for beginners!

By Mark C

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Aug 23, 2025

Great introduction to Greek philosophy.

By Fiona W

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Nov 4, 2019

I liked everything but the maths parts!

By Greg V

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Apr 26, 2016

amazing course , really enjoying this !

By Sebastián B

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Aug 16, 2024

Interesante, informativo y pedagógico.

By Raquel E

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May 15, 2020

Philosophy is logic. Logic is needed!

By CINDY S

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May 7, 2024

Excelente, pero no dan el certificado

By Konstantinos K

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Jun 28, 2016

Very interesting and helpful subject.

By Edgar M

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Oct 16, 2022

marvelous! thanks to teacher Susan.

By Mariano C

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May 7, 2021

Thanks a lot. I want be phiolosopher

By Laura M P

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May 1, 2020

Excellent! Complete and interesting!

By Abdulmalik M M

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Jul 9, 2016

Good. I've learned a lot. Thank you.

By Michelle A

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Aug 19, 2020

What a fantastic course! Thank you.

By Shikha D

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Jul 6, 2017

Awesome course! Highly recommended.

By Jean B C

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Mar 15, 2016

Excellent course and really useful!

By Jibran T

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Feb 25, 2016

Profound and thoroughly insightful.

By Xiao J

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Feb 11, 2025

Very comprehensive and accessible.

By G B

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Dec 29, 2024

Great class, well done, thank you.

By Theodore M

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May 30, 2016

well structured and well presented