Greek Philosophy

Unit 1 – Greek Philosophy: Pre-Socratics Intro

Unit 2 – Milesian School: Early Greek Philosophers

Unit 3 – Pythagoras: Math and Philosophy

Unit 4 – Heraclitus and the Doctrine of Flux

Unit 5 – Parmenides and the Philosophy of Being

Unit 6 – The Atomists – Democritus and Leucippus

Unit 7 – The Sophists and Relativism

Unit 8 – Socrates – Life, Method, and Ethics

Unit 9 – Plato's Theory of Forms

Unit 10 – Plato's Cave: Knowledge and Reality

Unit 11 – Plato's Ethics and Political Philosophy

Unit 12 – Aristotle's Metaphysics: The Four Causes

Unit 13 – Aristotle's Logic and the Organon

Unit 14 – Aristotle's Ethics: Virtue and Happiness

Unit 15 – Aristotle's Political Philosophy

Unit 16 – Hellenistic Philosophy: Cynics to Stoics

Unit 17 – Epicureanism: Philosophy of Pleasure

Unit 18 – Neoplatonism: Greek Philosophy's Synthesis

Unit 19 – Greek Philosophy's Impact on Western Thought

Unit 20 – Ancient Greek Wisdom in Modern Times

## What do you learn in Greek Philosophy

You'll explore the ideas of ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The course covers metaphysics, ethics, politics, and epistemology from a Greek perspective. You'll dive into concepts like the nature of reality, virtue, justice, and how we acquire knowledge. It's all about understanding the foundations of Western philosophy.

## Is Greek Philosophy hard?

Greek Philosophy can be pretty challenging. The concepts are often abstract and the language can be dense. But don't let that scare you off. Once you get the hang of it, it's actually super interesting. The key is to stay on top of the readings and participate in class discussions. It's not a breeze, but it's definitely doable.

## Tips for taking Greek Philosophy in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Read the texts slowly and carefully - don't rush through Plato's Republic
3. Engage in class discussions - talking about ideas helps you understand them
4. Make connections between different philosophers' ideas
5. Use Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for extra explanations
6. Watch "The Good Place" for fun examples of ethical dilemmas
7. Try to apply ancient concepts to modern issues
8. Form a study group to discuss complex ideas

## Common pre-requisites for Greek Philosophy

1. Introduction to Philosophy: This course gives you a broad overview of philosophical concepts and methods. It's a great foundation for diving deeper into Greek thought.

2. Logic: You'll learn about valid arguments and reasoning structures. This helps a ton when analyzing complex Greek philosophical arguments.

## Classes similar to Greek Philosophy

1. Ancient Roman Philosophy: Explores the ideas of Roman thinkers like Cicero and Seneca. It's a great follow-up to Greek Philosophy.

2. Medieval Philosophy: Covers the philosophical traditions that developed after ancient Greece. You'll see how Greek ideas influenced later thinkers.

3. History of Western Philosophy: Gives a broader overview of philosophical thought from ancient times to the present. It puts Greek philosophy in a larger context.

4. Political Philosophy: Dives deep into theories of government and justice. You'll see how Greek ideas about politics still influence us today.

## Majors related to Greek Philosophy

1. Philosophy: Focuses on critical thinking, logic, and big questions about existence and morality. You'll study a wide range of philosophical traditions and learn to construct and analyze arguments.

2. Classics: Involves studying the languages, literature, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. You'll gain a deep understanding of the context in which Greek philosophy developed.

3. Political Science: Examines political systems, theories, and behaviors. Greek political thought, especially from Plato and Aristotle, forms a foundation for many modern political ideas.

## What can you do with a degree in Greek Philosophy?

1. Law: Many philosophy grads go into law. The critical thinking and argument analysis skills you learn are perfect for legal work.

2. Education: You could teach philosophy or related subjects at high school or college level. Sharing complex ideas in understandable ways is a key skill from studying Greek philosophy.

3. Writing and Journalism: The clear communication skills you develop are great for writing careers. You'll be able to explain complex ideas in accessible ways.

4. Business Consulting: Companies value the problem-solving and critical thinking skills philosophy grads bring. You'll be able to approach business challenges from unique angles.

## Greek Philosophy FAQs

1. Do I need to know Greek to take this course? Nope, translations are used. But learning some key Greek terms can be helpful.

2. Is this course all about dead guys with beards? Mostly, yeah. But their ideas are still super relevant today.

3. Will this class make me question everything? Probably. That's kind of the point of philosophy.

4. Can I argue with the professor? Absolutely! Respectful debate is encouraged in philosophy classes.

Philosophy

1.1 Origins and significance of Greek philosophy

1.3 The transition from mythos to logos

1.4 Major themes and questions in early Greek philosophy

1.2 Key characteristics of Pre-Socratic thought

2.1 Thales and the search for the arche (first principle)

2.2 Anaximander's concept of the apeiron

2.3 Anaximenes and the theory of air as the primary substance

3.1 Pythagoras and the Pythagorean school

3.2 The role of numbers in Pythagorean philosophy

3.3 Pythagorean cosmology and the harmony of the spheres

3.4 The influence of Pythagoreanism on later Greek thought

4.1 Heraclitus' theory of universal flux

4.2 The concept of logos in Heraclitean philosophy

4.3 The unity of opposites and cosmic harmony

5.1 Parmenides' concept of Being and the Way of Truth

5.2 The rejection of non-being and the impossibility of change

5.3 The influence of Parmenides on subsequent metaphysics

6.1 The atomic theory of matter

6.2 Void and the infinite universe

6.3 Determinism and the absence of teleology in atomism

7.1 The rise of sophistry and its cultural context

7.2 Protagoras and moral relativism

7.3 Gorgias and epistemological skepticism

7.4 The sophists' influence on rhetoric and education

8.1 Socrates' life and historical context

8.2 The Socratic method and elenchus

8.3 Socratic intellectualism and virtue ethics

8.4 The trial and death of Socrates

9.1 The nature and characteristics of Platonic Forms

9.4 Criticisms and defenses of the Theory of Forms

9.2 The relationship between Forms and particulars

9.3 The hierarchy of Forms and the Form of the Good

10.1 Plato's theory of knowledge and recollection

10.2 The divided line and levels of cognition

10.3 The Allegory of the Cave and its interpretations

10.4 Plato's critique of empiricism and relativism

11.1 The concept of justice in Plato's Republic

11.2 The tripartite soul and its virtues

11.3 Plato's ideal state and philosopher-kings

11.4 Criticisms of democracy and other forms of government

12.1 Aristotle's critique of Plato's Theory of Forms

12.2 The four causes: material, formal, efficient, and final

12.3 Substance, essence, and accidents

12.4 Actuality and potentiality in Aristotelian metaphysics

13.3 The role of logic in scientific inquiry and knowledge

13.2 Categorical syllogisms and valid argument forms

13.1 The structure and components of Aristotelian logic

14.1 Eudaimonia and the human function argument

14.2 Moral and intellectual virtues

14.3 The doctrine of the mean

14.4 Aristotle's theory of friendship and its ethical significance

15.1 The nature of the polis and citizenship

15.2 Aristotle's classification of constitutions

15.3 The concept of justice in politics

15.4 Aristotle's critique of Plato's political theory

16.1 Cynicism and the rejection of social conventions

16.2 Skepticism and the suspension of judgment

16.3 Stoic logic, physics, and ethics

16.4 The concept of ataraxia in Hellenistic philosophy

17.1 Epicurean atomism and materialism

17.2 The nature of pleasure and its role in ethics

17.4 The concept of friendship in Epicureanism

17.3 Epicurean views on death and the gods

18.1 Plotinus and the concept of the One

18.2 The hierarchy of being and emanation

18.3 Neoplatonic mysticism and its influence

18.4 The reconciliation of Platonic and Aristotelian ideas

19.1 Greek philosophy's influence on early Christian thought

19.2 The preservation and transmission of Greek philosophy

19.3 The revival of Greek philosophy in the Renaissance

19.4 Greek philosophical concepts in modern and contemporary philosophy

20.1 Greek ethical theories and modern moral dilemmas

20.2 Ancient Greek political thought and current governance challenges

20.3 Greek metaphysics and contemporary scientific worldviews

20.4 The relevance of Greek epistemology in the age of information

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