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

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).

Author is master communicator

this is 3rd time I've listen over to this masterpiece presentation
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Must be similar experience to watching Michaelangelo release The David from within that gigantic slab of stone!

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.

Excellent Summary of Greek Philosophy

I have listened to many of the Great Courses on philosophy and this is one of the best in my view. No matter whether you are already familiar with Greek philosophy or not, this is a great review. Professor Roochnik uses a dialectical method, which builds from philosopher to philosopher, and gets you thinking about your own position on these key issues. Greece is where philosophy started, and so many of the issues the Greeks dealt with are still issues today, which Roochnik outlines so well. My highest recommendation.

Really love it!

This audible course is worth every second. The Sofisties, Pythagoras, Plato, Socrates, Aristotle and many others.

great narration, great material. would recommend

loved the book. narrator was great, kept material interesting. good book for first philosophy book

A solid overview of early Greek philosophy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I already have so I could discuss the contents with him

What did you like best about this story?

He manages to connect these philosophers by showing how each one criticized or built on what came before him, showing how philosophy in ancient Greece evolved.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was really interesting to find out Aristotle's opponents believed in evolution 2000 years before Darwin.

Any additional comments?

This only covers up to Aristotle. I was hoping it would go further to cover people like Plotinus. It is only an introduction though so it is fair that it only covers the first few major Greek philosophers.

I also like how Professor Roochnik connected everything to how we can see it in the context of modern issues as many of these ideas are just as relevant today as in ancient Greece.