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

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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 17, 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.

FS

Aug 25, 2017

Good, interesting introduction to the cosmology and ethics of Plato and presocratic thinkers. The reading material is good and the lectures are pleasant and interesting!

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326 - 350 of 479 Reviews for Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

By Фазылов Д Д

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Nov 6, 2025

It's a very informative course.

By George N M

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Feb 10, 2023

This course is simply amazing!

By Saeed E

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Sep 22, 2021

amazing lectures and materials

By Joanna C

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Oct 19, 2017

Well paced, interesting course

By Valeria G A

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Nov 28, 2023

really good, loved the videos

By Shirley K

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Jul 31, 2020

such a fun course.! thank you

By Talha R

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Sep 9, 2019

Amazing course, enlightening.

By Dragutin R

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Oct 20, 2017

Just what I needed.

Thank you.

By Kuznichenko S

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May 15, 2020

I am glad study this course!

By jennifer c

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Feb 12, 2017

Engaging and well presented.

By Orlando N

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Jun 7, 2024

Fue un recorrido motivador

By MANUEL A K M

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May 30, 2020

Muy buen curso, excelente

By Edwin K

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Jul 14, 2016

Good introductory course.

By Petervan

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Apr 10, 2022

Ohh gee, It's so perfect

By Varya F

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Sep 13, 2021

Love her presentation!!!

By Nikolaos S

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Feb 3, 2021

Very interesting course!

By Saikat B

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Aug 8, 2019

Clear and comprehensive.

By Sumantra G

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Nov 28, 2016

It's an awesome course

By Gregory M

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Mar 11, 2023

Great Course , Thanks

By Berke Y

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Apr 27, 2020

thanks for everything

By Samuel S

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May 13, 2018

Excellent instructor!

By Danae D

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Feb 26, 2016

VERY VERY INTERESTING

By Megan B

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Aug 1, 2020

Thank you, Dr Meyer!

By Серикжан М

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Oct 20, 2024

отличный курс супео

By Barbara H

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Jan 19, 2021

Excellent lectures!