We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Xiaochao Wang
This philosophy course explores the origins of Western philosophy – a rich tapestry of ideas that began with the most noted ancient Greek and Roman philosophers.
By examining the work of these historic figures, students will attain a strong grasp of Western philosophy’s basic spirit. In doing so, they’ll cultivate deeper thinking abilities, explore noble values, and learn to contemplate the world around them in new ways.
Read more
This philosophy course explores the origins of Western philosophy – a rich tapestry of ideas that began with the most noted ancient Greek and Roman philosophers.
By examining the work of these historic figures, students will attain a strong grasp of Western philosophy’s basic spirit. In doing so, they’ll cultivate deeper thinking abilities, explore noble values, and learn to contemplate the world around them in new ways.
Read more
This philosophy course explores the origins of Western philosophy – a rich tapestry of ideas that began with the most noted ancient Greek and Roman philosophers.
By examining the work of these historic figures, students will attain a strong grasp of Western philosophy’s basic spirit. In doing so, they’ll cultivate deeper thinking abilities, explore noble values, and learn to contemplate the world around them in new ways.
This course is open to undergraduates from all majors. Through classroom lectures and extracurricular reading and discussion, this course will help them grasp the rich thoughts of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, explore the origin of philosophical spirit, reveal the spiritual orientation of the ancient Greek nation, and clarify the characteristics of the ancient Greek nation’s way of thinking. , to help students grasp the basic spirit of philosophy, develop theoretical thinking abilities, cultivate noble sentiments, and improve humanistic qualities.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/x8zy4u/plato
What's inside
Learning objectives
- A basic understanding of ancient greek and roman philosophers’ rich thoughts and ideas
- Concepts, ethical foundations and allegories that were developed in support of these ideas
- Cultural and geographic influences that shaped ancient philosophies
- A basic understanding of ancient greek and roman philosophers’ rich thoughts and ideas
- Concepts, ethical foundations and allegories that were developed in support of these ideas
- Cultural and geographic influences that shaped ancient philosophies
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction (Part I): Philosophy, Religion and Culture
1. Philosophy
Etymology
Definition
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction (Part I): Philosophy, Religion and Culture
1. Philosophy
Etymology
Definition
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by Xiaochao Wang, who are recognized for their work in Ancient Greek philosophy
Explores the origins of Western philosophy, which is central to Western Civilization
Develops foundational skills for those new to Philosophy
Develops critical thinking skills, which are widely applicable
Covers a range of topics, from the basics of philosophy to ancient Greek and Roman philosophy
Taught through a mix of classroom lectures, extracurricular reading, and discussion
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Introduction to ancient western philosophy
According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to ancient Western philosophy, covering key figures like Plato and Socrates. Many found the content intellectually stimulating and appreciated the broad scope. The instructor's passion and knowledge are frequently highlighted as a major positive. While the lectures cover a lot of ground, some students noted that the pace can feel fast, particularly for those new to the subject. The course serves as a strong foundation, though some felt certain topics could benefit from more in-depth discussion.
Beneficial with some prior knowledge or extra study.
"While open to all, having some prior exposure to philosophical concepts helps immensely."
"I had to supplement lectures with external readings to fully grasp some of the ideas."
"Be prepared to dedicate significant time to understanding the material, especially if you're new."
Covers a wide range of philosophers and ideas.
"This course covers a vast amount of material, from the pre-Socratics all the way through Plotinus, giving a good overview."
"I appreciated how many different philosophers and concepts were introduced. It felt like a comprehensive first look."
"It touches upon many different schools and figures, providing a solid framework of the history."
Excellent starting point for philosophy.
"This course provides an excellent foundation for anyone interested in learning about the origins of Western thought."
"Highly recommend this course if you're new to philosophy; it lays out the key concepts and figures clearly."
"A great introductory course that gives you the essential knowledge to explore philosophy further."
Challenges thinking and offers new perspectives.
"The course made me think deeply about fundamental questions I hadn't considered before. Truly stimulating."
"Engaging with these ancient ideas really broadened my perspective on philosophy and life itself."
"Found the concepts discussed profoundly interesting and they sparked a lot of personal reflection."
Highly knowledgeable and passionate teaching.
"The professor is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter. His enthusiasm is infectious and makes learning enjoyable."
"I really enjoyed the instructor's delivery. It was clear he knows this material inside and out and truly cares about it."
"The lecturer's expertise shines through, offering insights I haven't found in other introductory materials."
Some issues with English translation noted.
"Occasionally, the English subtitles or lecture delivery had minor grammatical or phrasing issues."
"A few concepts felt slightly lost in translation, requiring interpretation."
"The quality of the English script could be improved in some sections."
Moves quickly through complex topics.
"As a complete beginner, I sometimes found the pace quite fast, needing to rewatch lectures or do extra reading."
"The volume of information presented each week was high, making it challenging to fully absorb everything."
"Felt like we sometimes glossed over complex ideas because of the need to cover so much ground."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy | 西方哲学精神探源 with these
activities:
Review ancient Greek philosophy
Show steps
Get up to speed with the ancient Greek origins of Western philosophy.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
-
Read summaries or overviews.
-
Watch videos about key concepts.
-
Participate in discussions or forums.
Practice critical thinking and reasoning skills
Show steps
Sharpen your critical thinking and reasoning abilities, which are essential for understanding and analyzing philosophical concepts.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Engage in logical puzzles or thought experiments.
-
Analyze arguments and identify fallacies.
-
Write essays or participate in discussions.
Read 'The History of Western Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell
Show steps
Delve deeper into the origins and development of Western philosophy.
View
ABC da relatividade
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read a chapter or section at a time.
-
Take notes or highlight key points.
-
Discuss the book with peers or an instructor.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a timeline of ancient Greek philosophers and their ideas
Show steps
Organize and visualize the chronological development of ancient Greek philosophy.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
-
Research key philosophers and their ideas.
-
Choose a timeline format (e.g., chart, infographic).
-
Plot the philosophers and their ideas on the timeline.
Join a study group or discussion forum
Show steps
Engage in discussions and learn from peers to reinforce understanding of key concepts.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
-
Find a group or forum related to ancient Greek philosophy.
-
Participate in discussions or ask questions.
-
Share insights and contribute to the group.
Follow online tutorials on specific philosophical concepts
Show steps
Seek additional resources to clarify and reinforce understanding of specific concepts.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
-
Identify concepts you need further clarification on.
-
Search for tutorials or videos on those concepts.
-
Watch or read the tutorials to gain deeper insights.
Complete practice questions and exercises
Show steps
Test your understanding and identify areas that need improvement.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
-
Find practice questions or exercises.
-
Attempt to solve them independently.
-
Review your answers and correct any mistakes.
Become a mentor or tutor for learners of ancient Greek philosophy
Show steps
Deepen your understanding by teaching and explaining concepts to others.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
-
Identify platforms or opportunities to mentor.
-
Prepare materials and organize your knowledge.
-
Provide guidance and support to learners.
Review ancient Greek philosophy
Show steps
Get up to speed with the ancient Greek origins of Western philosophy.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read summaries or overviews.
- Watch videos about key concepts.
- Participate in discussions or forums.
Practice critical thinking and reasoning skills
Show steps
Sharpen your critical thinking and reasoning abilities, which are essential for understanding and analyzing philosophical concepts.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Engage in logical puzzles or thought experiments.
- Analyze arguments and identify fallacies.
- Write essays or participate in discussions.
Read 'The History of Western Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell
Show steps
Delve deeper into the origins and development of Western philosophy.
View
ABC da relatividade
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a chapter or section at a time.
- Take notes or highlight key points.
- Discuss the book with peers or an instructor.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a timeline of ancient Greek philosophers and their ideas
Show steps
Organize and visualize the chronological development of ancient Greek philosophy.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research key philosophers and their ideas.
- Choose a timeline format (e.g., chart, infographic).
- Plot the philosophers and their ideas on the timeline.
Join a study group or discussion forum
Show steps
Engage in discussions and learn from peers to reinforce understanding of key concepts.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a group or forum related to ancient Greek philosophy.
- Participate in discussions or ask questions.
- Share insights and contribute to the group.
Follow online tutorials on specific philosophical concepts
Show steps
Seek additional resources to clarify and reinforce understanding of specific concepts.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify concepts you need further clarification on.
- Search for tutorials or videos on those concepts.
- Watch or read the tutorials to gain deeper insights.
Complete practice questions and exercises
Show steps
Test your understanding and identify areas that need improvement.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice questions or exercises.
- Attempt to solve them independently.
- Review your answers and correct any mistakes.
Become a mentor or tutor for learners of ancient Greek philosophy
Show steps
Deepen your understanding by teaching and explaining concepts to others.
Browse courses on
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify platforms or opportunities to mentor.
- Prepare materials and organize your knowledge.
- Provide guidance and support to learners.
Career center
Learners who complete Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy | 西方哲学精神探源 will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Philosopher
Philosopher
Philosophers study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy is an excellent foundation for those who wish to become Philosophers, as it provides an in-depth exploration of the origins of Western philosophical thought. The course's examination of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will provide aspiring Philosophers with a strong foundation for their own research and thinking.
Professor
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy is a valuable resource for those who wish to become Professors, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of Western thought, which is essential for teaching and researching in the humanities. The course's focus on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will provide aspiring Professors with a solid foundation for their own research and teaching in philosophy and related fields.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists work with historical documents and artifacts, organizing and preserving them for future generations. Those who wish to become Archivists may find the course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy useful. The course materials explore the origins of Western philosophical thought, especially in Ancient Greece and Rome. Archivists rely on their knowledge of history and culture to evaluate and preserve important documents and artifacts. A strong understanding of the philosophical origins of Western Civilization may help an Archivist to succeed in this role, both in understanding historical context and preserving the texts that are most valuable to Western history.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians assist patrons in finding and accessing information, while also managing library collections. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Librarians. The course explores the history of ideas and the development of knowledge systems, which are core components of library science. Understanding the origins of Western thought can strengthen a Librarian's approach to organizing and understanding information.
Theologian
Theologian
Theologians study religious beliefs and practices, often specializing in a particular religion or system of thought. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Theologians. The course explores the philosophical origins of Western religious thought, especially in Ancient Greece and Rome, and will help Theologians understand the historical and intellectual context of religious beliefs and practices.
Historian
Historian
Historians research and analyze the past, interpreting historical events and trends. Those who wish to become Historians may find the course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy useful. The course's exploration of the origins of Western philosophy and culture provides a foundation for understanding the historical development of societies and institutions, which is essential for Historians.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators manage museum collections, oversee the preservation of artifacts and works of art, and lead educational initiatives. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Museum Curators. The course explores the ancient Greek emphasis on beauty and aesthetics, which has had a profound influence on Western art and culture. Museum Curators interested in the history of the artifacts and art they manage may benefit from this course's exploration of the original cultural and intellectual context of these pieces.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool through university. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Teachers, as it provides a foundation in philosophy and education. The course's focus on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will help aspiring Teachers to understand the historical and intellectual context of educational thought and practice.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and assistance to businesses and organizations. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Consultants, as it provides a foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving, which are essential skills for Consultants. The course's focus on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will help aspiring Consultants to understand the historical and intellectual context of business and organizational thought and practice.
Writer
Writer
Writers create works of literature, such as novels, poems, and plays. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to aspiring Writers who want to understand the philosophical foundations of Western literature. The course explores the origins of Western thought and the development of ideas about beauty, truth, and justice, which are common themes in literature.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, correct, and prepare written material for publication. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Editors, as it provides a foundation in critical thinking and analytical reading, which are essential skills for Editors. The course's focus on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will help aspiring Editors to understand the historical and intellectual context of the written works they edit.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Journalists, as it provides a foundation in critical thinking and analytical reading, which are essential skills for Journalists. The course's focus on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will help aspiring Journalists to understand the historical and intellectual context of current events.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Lawyers, as it provides a foundation in critical thinking and analytical reading, which are essential skills for Lawyers. The course's focus on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will help aspiring Lawyers to understand the historical and intellectual context of the legal system.
Politician
Politician
Politicians develop and implement policies that govern a country or region. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Politicians, as it provides a foundation in ethics and political theory. The course's focus on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will help aspiring Politicians to understand the historical and intellectual context of political thought and practice.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people overcome social and economic challenges. The course Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy may be helpful to those who wish to become Social Workers, as it provides a foundation in ethics and social theory. The course's focus on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy will help aspiring Social Workers to understand the historical and intellectual context of social welfare and social justice.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/x8zy4u/plato
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy | 西方哲学精神探源.
Nicomachean Ethics is one of Aristotle's most famous works and it deals with the concept of virtue. It is divided into ten books and covers topics such as happiness, friendship, and justice.
The Republic dialogue written by Plato around 380 BCE, concerning justice, the order and character of the just city-state, and the just man. It is Plato's best-known work and has proven to be one of the world's most influential works of philosophy and political theory.
The History of Philosophy: Volume 1, Greek Philosophy provides a comprehensive overview of Greek philosophy from the pre-Socratics to the Neoplatonists. It valuable resource for students and scholars of philosophy.
The Symposium philosophical dialogue by Plato. It is set at a banquet held in honor of the god Eros, and the dialogue consists of a series of speeches by various guests at the banquet, each of whom gives a speech on the nature of love.
The Cambridge Companion to Plato collection of essays by leading scholars on Plato's philosophy. It provides a comprehensive overview of Plato's work and valuable resource for students and scholars of philosophy.
Ancient Greek Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction concise overview of Greek philosophy from the pre-Socratics to the Neoplatonists. It valuable resource for students and scholars of philosophy.
Crito philosophical dialogue by Plato that deals with the question of whether it is ever right to disobey the law. It is set in the days leading up to Socrates' death and recounts his final conversations with his friends and students.
Save
Gorgias philosophical dialogue by Plato that deals with the nature of rhetoric and the question of whether it virtue or a vice.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/x8zy4u/plato
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
2.0
Effort
1 to 3 hours per week for 16 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Tsinghua University
Instructor
Xiaochao Wang
Language
English
Transcripts
English
中文
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser