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

4.8
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1,599 ratings

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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201 - 225 of 480 Reviews for Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

By Areaba S

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May 17, 2020

It was a wonderful journey of 4 weeks of learning.

Thanks to the Greek legends and Professor Susan.

By Yifei W

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Aug 18, 2019

Really love this course! Very comprehensive coverage of Plato's theories and significant works. :)

By Oscar D

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Jan 18, 2018

Beautiful course. It made me inquire about things like I never did before. I enjoyed It very much.

By Mandhir S

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Mar 22, 2021

Very nicely done by the Instructor. Just the correct amount of rigor for an introductory course.

By Sajid K

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Jun 17, 2020

I really enjoyed doing this course! Loved the way the instructor explained complex ideas simply.

By Monica B

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Jun 1, 2020

I have learned a lot about Plato and the philosophers who came before him. Thank you very much!

By Eduardo S P

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Mar 11, 2016

I really enjoyed this course, the topics were fascinating and the explanations were very clear.

By Stephen B

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Dec 4, 2020

The thoughtful and meticulous videos provided significant insight into the reading materials.

By marc g

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Apr 14, 2020

Very comprehensive yet digestible! I never felt bored and always thought that I was learning.

By Fogan A (

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Apr 6, 2020

A very good course that I really enjoy! thanks Coursera & Team and University of Pennsylvania

By George C M

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Mar 24, 2016

Well structured course that gives an excellent background to the basis of ancient philosophy.

By Grammar Z

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May 31, 2025

Carefully structures and interesting. Good introduction to Presocratic philosophy and Plato!

By Charles E M

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May 8, 2018

The Professor is quite interesting and this is the second course I have taken under her lead

By Carl A

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Aug 7, 2020

This course served as an avenue for me to improve especially in terms of reading texts. :)

By Cees O

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Mar 29, 2020

I was impressed by the quality of the teachings and especially the instructor: excellent!!

By Dimitris P

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Aug 31, 2016

An excellent introductory course to Plato. Gave me great insights to his works. Thank you!

By Monika L

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Apr 2, 2023

Excellent course! Interesting, informative, challenging, and fun. Terrific professor!

By Michael R

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Mar 17, 2025

Outstanding course - lucid and thought provoking. Exactly what I was looking for.

By 18_12TH2_Bùi M N

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Nov 28, 2021

Excellent course that provides a comprehensive view on Plato's Ancient Philosophy.

By Juan L P B

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Feb 24, 2019

Aprendí mucho con éste curso recomendable para quien se interese por la filosofía.

By Jessica D O F

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May 18, 2020

El curso es muy bueno, te ayuda a entender conceptos tan básicos sobre filosofía

By Sergey A

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May 13, 2018

Short but well thought and coincide class for Plato and presocratics philosophy.

By Ankur K B K D

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Aug 7, 2020

Very thankful to Dr Meyers and team for this course. She's a brilliant speaker.

By Paul C

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Mar 8, 2017

Excellent. Clear and accessible explanation of the Plato's forms and shadows.

By Rense L

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Mar 30, 2016

Excellent professor, good presentation. Some quizzes are too short, really ...