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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

LL

Mar 8, 2016

Good intro to early Greek philosophy. Dr Meyer has a simple and subtly humorous approach to the material. Dr Meyer makes the subject approachable so that the student wants to do further reading.

MD

Jan 16, 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.

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226 - 250 of 470 Reviews for Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors

By 王若寒

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Sep 13, 2016

A systematic and informative course to start with ancient Greek philosophy.

By Deleted A

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Apr 16, 2016

This is one of my top three favorite courses I've taken on Coursera so far!

By Niran R

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Apr 22, 2020

I loved the delivery, content and brevity to keep me interested throughout

By Dave C

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Feb 19, 2018

Great course led by an impassioned professor. Looking forward to part two!

By Shikhar

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Mar 15, 2016

An excellent platform for attaining "wisdom" in its rawest form...Love it!

By Levan K

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Mar 10, 2016

Great introduction to ancient philosophy. Now we need an advanced course!

By Christiana T M

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Apr 8, 2021

Fabulous!!!! Susan kept classes interesting and also with broad content.

By Torsten P

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Nov 16, 2020

Brilliant course, wish I had learned some of this in school or college

By Nguyen T T K

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Jan 19, 2017

This course sucessfully introduced me to acient philosophy. I love it!

By Nsuku B

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Apr 28, 2025

Engaging, thought-provoking course on Plato's philosophy. Recommended

By Saúl A

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Jan 30, 2017

This is a very interesting and complete course. Totally recomendable.

By Mary S

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Jun 14, 2017

Fascinating and explained very clearly. The professor is excellent.

By Eshwar K

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Apr 11, 2021

I like the way you guys are designed the program Thanks to Coursera

By ANA S A

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Jun 1, 2020

It is a great course. Keeps you thinking and looking to go further.

By Ilya K

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Mar 10, 2016

One of the best structured intro course on Plato and pre-socratics.

By yohana a

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Apr 16, 2021

Excellent course, great teacher and material. Highly recommended!!

By LENKA P G B

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Oct 1, 2020

Muy buen curso, excelente profesora. Es claro y logra profundidad.

By michelle

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May 2, 2020

Really interesting, the lectures were calm and enjoyable, thanks

By Vinicius S

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Apr 23, 2018

Is Great, step by step i learn more and more without this course.

By Kenny S

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Feb 2, 2018

Awesome Instructor added to my knowledge in Philosophy.Thank you.

By Don C

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Mar 1, 2021

An introductory course that will awaken your philosophical mind.

By Anna,Androvitsanea

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Aug 11, 2016

An excellent introduction to the world of Plato and its origins.

By Dieter P

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Dec 13, 2020

Content, structure and delivery of this course are outstanding.

By Armida S

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Jun 18, 2020

It was sufficiently comprehensive for a complex period of time.

By Garry S

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May 1, 2019

Fantastic course. Great content. Just what I was looking for!