Masters of Greek Thought: Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle

By: Robert C. Bartlett, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Robert C. Bartlett

For more than two millennia, philosophers have grappled with life's most profound and "eternal" questions. It is easy to forget, however, that these questions about fundamental issues like justice, injustice, virtue, vice, or happiness were not always eternal. They once had to be asked for the first time.

This was a step that could place the inquirer beyond the boundaries of the law. And the Athenian citizen and philosopher who took that courageous step in the 5th century B.C. was Socrates.

In this intellectually vibrant - yet crystal-clear and accessible - series of 36 lectures, an award-winning teacher provides you with a detailed analysis of the golden age of Athenian philosophy and the philosophical consequences of the philosopher's famed "Socratic Turn": his veering away from philosophy's previous concerns with the scientific study of nature and the physical world and toward the scrutiny of moral opinion. After Socrates, philosophy would never be the same. You learn that much of Socrates's philosophy is captured in the writings of his contemporaries and followers, including not just Plato and Aristotle, but also figures like Xenophon, a great thinker and military commander, and the comic playwright Aristophanes. Professor Bartlett takes you through Plato's most important dialogues - where Socrates is the protagonist - and shows how they convey the core of Socrates's philosophy. He then moves on to Aristotle, who did more than anyone to establish a comprehensive system of philosophy in the West, producing work encompassing morality, politics, aesthetics, logic, science, rhetoric, theology, metaphysics, and more.

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

©2008 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2008 The Great Courses

EVERYONE should listen to this

This is great coupled with Plato's readings. I have ONLY read Plato's Republic (and it was years ago) but this audiobook reminded me of how Socrates has so thoroughly shaped the philosophy I follow. I have a great loyalty to 'justice'. It has also motivated me to look at Plato's other works and revealed to me so much more about Socrates than I expected.

I listen while I go about chores or other jobs that don't require my 100% attention (like at work while making gels, making solutions, purifying proteins, etc [I work in a lab]). I've found that it GREATLY settles my mind. After listening, I feel enthralled but so much more stable and satisfied. If you care about Justice, this is an informative and fulfilling listen.

The thought of mankind

Where does Masters of Greek Thought: Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top ten

What was one of the most memorable moments of Masters of Greek Thought: Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle?

Aristotle's section was wonderful

What about Professor Robert C. Bartlett’s performance did you like?

Yes I liked the Professors way of bringing to live the character in the book

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me look at further books about other great thinkers.

Excellent review of Greek philosophy

It is engaging, thought-provoking, and a very good review for people who, like me, are reengaging the classics after a protracted absence.

Who is Plato again?

I found these lectures for the most part to be clear and helpful. I felt like I got to know Socrates a lot more, and he was a far more interesting character than I had realised. On the other hand, Aristotle bores me to death. He seems to be into defining things, not exploring ideas. I don't think Bartlett made him any more interesting either, and at times it was hard to track with Bartlett's explanation of Aristotle's thinking. Perhaps I get lost in the minutae.

I was struck this time by how deep and profound were the ancient philosophers. They explored concepts beyond the superficial hubristic glancings that ancient religious texts gave to concepts like justice, love, humanity, wisdom, creativity, and mortality. They weren't always right, but they also weren't (usually) dogmatic, and they weren't content that the issues were closed. These people were Daniel Dennett's evolutionary 'cranes', humans raising up humanity through the only means available to those who have no 'skyhook' from the clouds of Mt Olympus (or Mt Sinai) to drag us upwards beyond our circumscribed domains.

Bartlett delivered the lectures well, although it was quite America-centric.

It made me examine my life, it was worth it.

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Excellent!

Great course on the development of the thinking of these great philosophers. I certainly learned a lot and look forward to other courses relating to this subject.

good lectures, bad intermissions

if the post-production had removed those annoying horns after each lecture then the world would be a better place.

Very good. <br />

I listen each day during my commute. Excellent lectures,. I am continuing the series, enjoy.

Tedious subject matter...Outstanding Performance

About as thorough of a survey as you can get with Aristotle, Socrates and Plato. Great detail concerning "The Republic".... "The Ethics".... "The Politics" Great coverage on Socrates despite his lack of writing. I especially enjoyed the last 6 hours or so on Aristotle, I recommend it for this section alone.

If you are not familiar with the Great Courses, the book is a series of 36 lectures that are 30 minutes each, given University lecture hall style. 18 hours total. This book is equally divided between the 3 subjects. For a detailed outline go to the great Courses website, or just download the PDF that comes with the this purchase, I recommend doing this as well to get the most out of this audiobook

The detail in this book can cause it to drag in certain spots, at least for me. The lecturer gives an outstanding performance though, he keeps you attention for the most part and is very knowledgeable, the subject matter is what lost me at times though. If you are interested in Greek philosophy this is a must

Probably will require at least two listening's to get the most out of, or great ability to pay attention and to focus.

Great lecture series

The professor is knowledgable and a very clear thinker and explainer. This is a great lecture on philosophy.