Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

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

Introduction

# Course Review: Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors ## Introduction In the realm of online education, few platforms offer the depth and quality of courses found on Coursera. Among these, *Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors* stands out as a compelling exploration of the origins of Western thought. This course provides a thoughtful and comprehensive look at the philosophical inquiries that shaped not only ancient Greece but also the foundation of modern philosophy. If you’re looking to engage with profound questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and the cosmos, this is the course for you. ## Course Overview The exploration begins with a critical inquiry: What is philosophy? This course distinguishes philosophy from other forms of discourse, namely science and religion, setting the stage for an exploration of the early philosophical landscape in Ancient Greece. It navigates through the thoughts of Presocratic philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, and Heraclitus, who are credited with being among the first scientists, and examines their groundbreaking ideas about the nature of reality. ## Syllabus Breakdown ### 1. The Milesians & Heraclitus The first section focuses on the Milesian philosophers—Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes—who sought the material principles of the cosmos. Their inquiries prompt a radical rethinking of the divine, paving the way for a naturalistic understanding of the world. Heraclitus's enigmatic statements on change culminate this module, effectively capturing the tension between stability and flux in existence. ### 2. Parmenides to Plato As the course progresses, the philosophical challenge posed by Parmenides is introduced, questioning the very essence of change and reality. This section juxtaposes Parmenides's ideas with responses from other naturalists and culminates with Plato’s portrayal of Socrates. The dialogues presented here raise vital questions about the nature of philosophy itself, the importance of civic duty, and the interconnection between morality and religion. ### 3. Plato on Virtue, Teaching, & Justice The third module delves into complex questions about virtue, knowledge, and justice. It presents Socrates’s intriguing analogy that learning is an act of recollection, while also probing the ethical implications of justice. The elaborate analogy comparing a city to a human soul serves as a thought-provoking tool, arguing convincingly that justice is ultimately beneficial, even for the criminal. ### 4. Plato on Reality & Goodness Finally, the course explores Plato's theory of Forms—his belief in a world of intelligible realities beyond our sensory experiences. This section emphasizes the concept of goodness as a fundamental characteristic of the universe and introduces Plato's cosmology, which describes the creation of the cosmos and its intrinsic mathematical order. ## Learning Experience This course is rich in content and delivers complex ideas in an engaging manner. The lectures are well-structured, supplemented by readings from primary sources, making them accessible for beginners yet enlightening for those with prior knowledge. Furthermore, the interactive discussions and assessments encourage critical thinking and facilitate deep understanding. ## Recommendation *Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors* is highly recommendable for anyone interested in philosophy, theology, or the foundations of Western thought. It is particularly suited for: - **Aspiring Philosophers**: Those who wish to gain a solid grounding in philosophical history. - **Students of Religion**: Understanding the philosophical underpinnings that have informed religious thought. - **History Enthusiasts**: Interested in how ancient ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions. In conclusion, this course is a gateway into the intricate world of ancient thought, providing valuable insights into not only the philosophers themselves but also the enduring questions they raise. Enroll in this course on Coursera and embark on a transformative journey through time, unlocking the wisdom of thinkers who have shaped our understanding of the universe.

Syllabus

The Milesians & Heraclitus

Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes and Xenophanes seek the material principle of the cosmos, and arrive at a radical new conception of the gods. Heraclitus distills the essence of their “naturalism” in his riddling slogans.

Parmenides poses a fundamental philosophical challenge to all naturalistic inquiry when he denies the intelligibility of change. Later naturalists (Empedocles, Anaxagoras, and Democritus) respond to his challenge. Plato’s portrait of Socrates raises questions about the nature of philosophy, its role in public life, and the relation between morality and religion.

What is virtue, and how can it be taught? What is teaching anyway, and how could we ever acquire knowledge? Socrates gives a geometry lesson purporting to show that learning is recollection. Why should we act justly? What’s in it for us? An elaborate analogy between a city and a human soul seeks to convince us that crime never pays, even if the criminal can escape detection.

The ultimate realities are intelligible Forms, while the world of our experience is only an image of that reality. Goodness is a fundamental feature of the world. Plato’s cosmology: the creation of the universe (complete with a world soul) and the principles of mathematical perfection that structure it at every level.