Ancient Philosophy: Aristotle and His Successors

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/aristotle

Introduction

### Course Review: Ancient Philosophy: Aristotle and His Successors In the landscape of online education, **Coursera** stands out by offering courses that delve into profound subjects with clarity and rigor. One such course that has captured the interest of students and philosophy enthusiasts alike is **"Ancient Philosophy: Aristotle and His Successors."** This course provides a comprehensive exploration of philosophical thought from Ancient Greece and examines pivotal ideas that have shaped the course of Western philosophy. #### Course Overview The course begins with foundational questions: What is philosophy? How does it diverge from science, religion, and other forms of discourse? Through its detailed syllabus, the course traces philosophical origins to key figures in Ancient Greece, beginning with the **Presocratic philosophers** of the 6th century BCE, such as **Thales**, **Anaximander**, and **Anaximenes**. These thinkers are not merely the historical footnotes of philosophy; they laid the groundwork for subsequent philosophical inquiry by proposing bold ideas about the nature of reality. Moving beyond the Presocratics, the course prominently features the monumental works of **Aristotle**, a towering figure whose influence permeates various fields of thought. The discussions evolve through a meticulous analysis of Aristotle’s **Categories**, his views on **Natural Philosophy**, and culminating with his ethical theories. #### Key Content Highlights 1. **Aristotle’s Categories**: - The course explicates Aristotle's anti-Platonic stance, framing the ultimate realities as ordinary objects of our experience. This challenges students to reconsider their perspectives on existence and the nature of being. 2. **Aristotle's Natural Philosophy**: - The exploration of natural substances, their matter, and forms, alongside the purpose-driven nature of living things, provides students with a holistic view of how ancient thinkers approached the essence of life itself. 3. **Aristotle's Ethics**: - Here, students grapple with the concept of happiness that Aristotle proposes, emphasizing the balance between virtuous living and the grasping of eternal truths. This segment is not just theoretical; it invites reflection on modern concepts of well-being. 4. **Epicureanism**: - This section encourages introspection with its focus on atomism and the therapeutic nature of philosophy. It prompts students to confront their fears and anxieties, leading to a deeper understanding of tranquility (ataraxia) as conceived by the ancient thinkers. 5. **Stoicism**: - The Stoic perspective on fate and divine providence not only enriches philosophical discourse but also resonates with contemporary discussions about resilience and acceptance, making this course especially relevant today. #### Course Format and Learning Experience The course is delivered through a combination of video lectures, readings, and thought-provoking discussion prompts designed to engage students critically. The content is structured to be accessible yet intellectually stimulating, making it suitable for both beginners and those who wish to deepen their understanding of philosophical concepts. Additionally, the content is enriched with interactive elements, such as quizzes and peer discussions, promoting a community of learning that encourages different perspectives and interpretations of complex ideas. #### Why You Should Enroll If you are fascinated by the roots of Western thought or simply wish to engage with the fundamental questions of existence, happiness, and ethics, this course is a must-enroll. The insights gained from studying ancient philosophy are not only academically enriching but also immensely applicable to modern life. **Recommended For**: - Philosophy students at any level seeking to understand the foundations of Western thought. - Individuals interested in personal development through philosophical inquiry. - Anyone looking to explore complex topics in an engaging and manageable format. #### Conclusion **"Ancient Philosophy: Aristotle and His Successors"** offers an exceptional opportunity to delve into the philosophical frameworks laid down by some of history's most influential thinkers. The course's thoughtful design makes it a transformative experience that encourages self-reflection and critical thinking. Whether you are pursuing a degree, a lifelong learner, or just curious about the philosophical underpinnings of our world, this course will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of ancient thought and its relevance today. Don't miss the chance to explore these profound ideas—enroll now on Coursera!

Syllabus

Aristotle’s Categories

Aristotle’s anti-Platonic metaphysics: the ultimate realities are ordinary objects of our experience, like people and animals. Each of these is a substances, the most fundamental type of being.

Natural substances have matter and form, and natural processes are goal-directed. Every living thing, plants and animals included, has a soul that moves it.

The motion of the universe is eternal and its cause is an eternal unmoved mover, Aristotle’s god. Our goal in life is to achieve happiness, which comes in two varieties: the human happiness we achieve by exercising the virtues of character, and the godlike happiness we achieve when we grasp eternal truths.

Epicureans return to the atomism of Democritus, and find no purpose in nature. Philosophy is a therapeutic practice that removes fear and anxiety and provides us with the tranquility (ataraxia) of the gods.

A providential god is at work in every detail of the cosmos, where everything happens by fate. Our goal in life is to accommodate ourselves to this divine nature by giving up our concern for (but not our pursuit of) worldly objectives.