Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy | 西方哲学精神探源 from edX

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

The history of philosophy

2. Religion

Factors

The relationship with philosophy

3. Culture

Axial Period

The spirit of philosophy

Week 2: Introduction (Part II): A Sketch of Ancient Greek Philosophy

1. The setting of the birth of Greek Philosophy

Geography and history

Races and language

Religions and society

2. Periods and schools

The early period

The classical period

The late period

3. The termination of Ancient Greek Philosophy

Fading

Sublating

Realistic significance

Week 3: Seeking “ shi ”（是）- The Sprout of Rationality

1. A transition to rational thinking

A primitive thinking

A child-state thinking

A poetic metaphysics

2. Heraclitus’ thinking

A dipolar thinking

The features of Heraclitus’ thinking

An analysis to the fragments of Heraclitus’ texts

3. Parmenides’ thinking

A long poem written by Parmenides（on being or “be”）

Rational argument

Evaluation criteria for the birth of philosophy

Week 4: Seeking “ben”（本）- Ontology & Metaphysics, Synopsis of Lecture IV

1. Seeking the origin: the early philosophers

A lexical meaning

An essential question

What is the essence

2. Seeking the essence: Plato’s theory of Form

The allegory of sun

The divided line

The allegory of the cave

3. Seeking to on : Aristotle’s ontology and metaphysics

Metaphysics

The First Philosophy

Week 5: Seeking “ zhi ”（知）- The Ancient Epistemology

1. The lexical meaning

The connotation of Chinese character

A corresponding Greek word

Equivalent to wisdom

2. Epistemology

Plato

Cicero

Augustine

3. The features

The objectification of knowledge

Priori

Knowability

Week 6: Seeking “ zhen ”（真）- Methodology & Logic

1. A lexical meaning

True and truth

Two types of reality

Truth and Logos

2. Plato’s Dialectics（authentic true）

The implication of epistemology

The implication of methodology

The implication of ontology

3. Aristotle’s Logics（judging true）

Establishment

The name of logics

The Chinese translation

Week 7: Seeking “ shi ”（实）- Natural Sciences

Science

Nature and knowledge

Natural sciences

2. The occurrence and development of the ancient Greek Science

The reason for occurrence

Nature-ology

Practice and theory

3．The technicalization and application of ancient Greek Science

The Hellenization Period

The Roman Empire Period

Some reflections

Week 8: Seeking “mei”（美）- Odes to the Love

1. A Lexical meaning

Beauty

Love

Aesthetics

2. Plato’s theory of Love

The essence and principle of love

A psychological view on love

Platonic Love

3. The high praise to the love god: A reading on Symposi um

A brief introduction

Six viewpoints

Conclusion, philosophy of love

Week 9: Seeking “ shan ”（善）- An Ethical Thought

1. A lexical analysis

Goodness

The ultimate goodness

Ethics

2. The development of the Classic Greek Ethics

The middle period

3. From the ultimate goodness to the common goodness

To reach the ultimate goodness

To converge to the common goodness

Some reflection on the goodness

Week 10: Seeking “ ren ”（仁）- A Humanism

A man with benevolence is a true man

Humanistic

Humanistic spirit

2. Ancient humanistic trend of thoughts

Traditional viewpoints

Social setting

The sophistic movement

3. A theoretical summary

Week 11: Seeking “ yi ”（义）- On Justice

Justice and righteousness

Chinese words

Justice in Greek

2. The story of Gyges

A synopsis of the story

An explanation

A conclusion

3. The Ancient theory of justice

Plato’s essential justice

Cicero’s natural justice

Augustine’s justice in theodicy

Week 12: Seeking “ li ”（礼）- States and Legislation

1. An explanation to the related words.

Physis

Normos

Politeia

2. A Platonic Republic

The influence from Socrates

Rule the state by virtues

Rule the state by law

3. Cicero’s people’s Republic

Being relevant to Plato’s thoughts

Definition of state

Natural law

Week 13: Seeking “ fu ”（福）——A Spirit of Religions

Blessings

Fortunate

The true fortunate

2. The religious trends in the late period of ancient Greek philosophy

The fading of the traditional religions

The birth and development of Christianity

The rationalization of Christianity

3. The collision between faith and reason (Tertullian)

Week 14: Seeking “ sheng ”（圣） - Communion with gods

Sacredness

Mystery

Mysticism

2. Communion with gods.

Communion with gods by rituals

Communion with gods by ration

Communion with gods by ecstasy

3. Plotinus’ mystical system of thoughts

Week 15: A General Summary - A Basic Spirit of the Ancient Greek Philosophy, Synopsis of Lecture XV.

1. The local characteristics of the ancient Greek Philosophy.2. The progressive universalization of the ancient Greek Philosophy.3. The basic spirits of the ancient Greek Philosophy.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Philosophical foundation course

According to students, Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy benefits learners interested in learning about the foundations of Western philosophy. Reviews indicate that the course has some drawbacks, however, including that the audio uses computer-generated narration in English. The English subtitles are also reported to contain errors. Despite these issues, learners report that the course has a lot of information and is free to audit.

The course is free to audit, making it a good option for those on a budget.

"you can do it for free"

The course has a lot of information about the foundations of Western philosophy.

"learning about how it started is beneficial, if you want to know what was before and how it evolved"

"it has a lot of information, so get ready to take notes (14 weeks divided into 14 chapters)"

The course uses computer-generated narration in English, which can be annoying.

"the original voice is Chinese, but is dubbed by a computer (it will get annoying, at some point, when you just mute it)"

The English subtitles contain errors, making them difficult to understand.

"the English text is faulty, as the grammar is mostly good, it reads as written by a kid who says what is on the prompter"

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.

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philosopher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theologian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Politician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist