An Introduction to Greek Philosophy

By: David Roochnik, The Great Courses

Narrated by: David Roochnik

More than 2,500 years later, the fundamental questions asked by the ancient Greeks continue to challenge, fascinate, and instruct us. Is reality stable and permanent or is it always changing? Are ethical values like justice and courage relative? What is justice? What is happiness? How shall we best live our lives?

In this series of 24 lectures, Professor Roochnik invites you to join this eternal discussion. You'll study the development of Greek philosophy, meet its major thinkers, and explore the issues and ideas that concerned them, from the Pre-Socratic concerns with "Being" to the staggering contributions of Plato and Aristotle.

Alfred North Whitehead, the great 20th-century British philosopher, said, "The safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato." In the Middle Ages, Aristotle was held in such high esteem that he was simply known as "the philosopher."

In this course, you not only learn about Greek philosophy but, to some extent, how to do it. Professor Roochnik emphasizes that Greek philosophy is ultimately not about facts or answers but about the give-and-take of ideas. By joining the conversation, you will come away with a new appreciation for how Greek philosophy still heavily influences our view of life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great Courses

Useful introduction that stimulates

Roochnik's series is a wonderful way to start learning more about life and philosophy. The framework situates major figures in western philosophy. Having no philosophical background the language and terms were well explained and clearly expressed. And through use of examples the points that Roochnik sought to convey were well made. It has been an eye opener and pleasure.

Really well done

Outstanding introduction to this material. Thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. I plan on relistening when I can use the texts provided and take notes

Easy to Listen to

An enjoyable introduction to Greek Philosophy. It was well constructed and easy to digest. Nicely done.

Great, but not best place to start.

The professor did a great job. I learned a lot I didn't know and especially got a better sense of exactly how the Greek philosophers influenced one another and all subsequent western thought.

Because of this strength the coverage of topics is a bit narrow and uneven. There is an important theme unfolding as a dialectic with each man covered responding to the men before. You see it evolve.

If this was your introduction you would think that this is what they did. They did SO much more.

I would say this is a great second or third pass over the Greeks, but not the best "introduction".

All in all a fantastic listen.

An Excellent Introduction

Any additional comments?

I bought this title after reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, to further explore the topics presented in that book.

"An Introduction to Greek Philosophy" is an excellent--if not essential--companion to ZMM. Prof. Roochnik covers a wide body of ancient works clearly and efficiently. He also references numerous other A.D. philosophers throughout his lectures, creating new paths of exploration for you if you enjoyed this title.

Perhaps my largest takeway was Roochnik's urging to take the side of the philosopher before offering your own critique, no matter how ludicrous their writings initially sound. Sound advice outside, as well as inside, the classroom. Other personal takeaways I enjoyed include:
- The Pre-Socratics (more enjoyable than I initially thought they would be)
- Relativism vs. Absolutism
- Plato's Forms
- Aristotle's God: "God does not love, because God does not hate."

The entry/exit of each chapter is laughable--I don't remember attending any college course that opened each lecture with a string quartet and a rousing ovation. Don't let that skew your perception of the quality of the material covered. This title was well worth the cost of an Audible credit (and -way- cheaper than the equivalent university credit).