Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predecessors Course Syllabus

Overview: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to early Greek philosophical thought, tracing the development of ideas from the Presocratic philosophers through Socrates and Plato. Over approximately 80 hours of content, learners will explore foundational concepts in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, engaging with primary texts and philosophical dialogues. The course is structured into six modules, each combining video lectures, readings, and reflective assignments to build a deep understanding of ancient philosophy. Ideal for beginners, it requires consistent engagement to complete all modules and earn a certificate.

Module 1: The Milesians & Heraclitus

Estimated time: 2 hours

• The search for the material principle of the cosmos
• Thales and the origin of natural philosophy
• Anaximander and the concept of the boundless
• Heraclitus on change and the unity of opposites

Module 2: Parmenides to Plato

Estimated time: 74 hours

• Parmenides' challenge to naturalistic inquiry
• Responses from later naturalist philosophers
• Plato's portrayal of Socrates in the dialogues
• Socratic method and ethical questioning

Module 3: Plato on Virtue, Teaching, & Justice

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Plato's theory of virtue and moral knowledge
• The role of teaching in acquiring wisdom
• Concepts of justice in Socratic thought

Module 4: Plato on Reality & Goodness

Estimated time: 2 hours

• The theory of the Forms
• The intelligible world vs. the visible world
• The Form of the Good and its significance

Module 5: Philosophical Dialogues

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Structure and purpose of Plato's dialogues
• Key dialogues: Apology, Euthyphro, Meno
• Interpreting philosophical arguments in dialogue form

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Analysis of a selected Platonic dialogue
• Application of philosophical concepts to a modern context
• Peer review and reflection on key themes

Prerequisites

• Interest in philosophy or ancient history
• Basic reading proficiency in English
• No prior knowledge of philosophy required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain the core ideas of early Greek philosophers
• Identify key themes in Socratic and Platonic thought
• Analyze philosophical arguments from ancient texts
• Apply ancient philosophical concepts to contemporary questions
• Engage critically with primary philosophical dialogues