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The Great Courses
The Great Courses: Masters of Greek Thought: Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. Lecture Transcript and Course Guidebook Parts 1-3
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.
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.
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First published January 1, 2008
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About the author
Robert C. Bartlett
13 books14 followersRobert C. Bartlett is Behrakis Professor in Hellenic Political Studies at Boston College and has authored numerous studies on the history of political thought, including recent editions of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (with Susan Collins) and the Art of Rhetoric.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 11, 2021
In this 36 lecture series, Dr. Robert Bartlett of Boston College examines the ethical and political philosophy of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. He focuses on Plato's Republic, The Trial of Socrates, Aristotle's Nichomean Ethics, and Politics. He is an excellent lecturer, skilled at making abstract concepts accessible.
I haven't grappled with Greek philosophy since my undergraduate days, before my career's start. Nevertheless, I find it interesting to reexamine notions of human virtue and " ideal" political systems looking back and reflecting on my experiences. I wish I had saved my undergraduate papers!
I haven't grappled with Greek philosophy since my undergraduate days, before my career's start. Nevertheless, I find it interesting to reexamine notions of human virtue and " ideal" political systems looking back and reflecting on my experiences. I wish I had saved my undergraduate papers!
June 9, 2018
Finished! This is a long course. It was made longer by the many stops and starts Life imposed these past few months, which I do not recommend for best understanding this material. For best appreciation, this Teaching Co. course needs to be taken slowly but consistently. There is so much good material here about the three most important first Philosophers: Socrates, his student, Plato and his student, Aristotle. Dear husband and I enjoyed it very much, yet would need to go back and re-listen to draw the most from it.
Professor Bartlett covers each of the three in the context of their times, giving what is known about them historically, through extant writings, their own (none in the case of Socrates) as well as others. He presents each consecutively and attempts to separate the real Socrates from Plato’s conception of him, no easy task.
Humanity has always grappled with life’s most profound issues. It was the 5th century B.C., Athenian citizen and philosopher Socrates who first asked many of these questions which set in motion a new way of trying to understand the world by reason. Many others have come and gone since then and many of his ideas have been thrown aside, but many more still have great value, as does any attempt to understand him or his followers.
Well worth your time. I will hang on to this course and—God willing—do it again! 4.5 stars, but let us be generous.
Professor Bartlett covers each of the three in the context of their times, giving what is known about them historically, through extant writings, their own (none in the case of Socrates) as well as others. He presents each consecutively and attempts to separate the real Socrates from Plato’s conception of him, no easy task.
Humanity has always grappled with life’s most profound issues. It was the 5th century B.C., Athenian citizen and philosopher Socrates who first asked many of these questions which set in motion a new way of trying to understand the world by reason. Many others have come and gone since then and many of his ideas have been thrown aside, but many more still have great value, as does any attempt to understand him or his followers.
Well worth your time. I will hang on to this course and—God willing—do it again! 4.5 stars, but let us be generous.
June 26, 2021
Robert C. Bartlett is an excellent speaker, so for me listening to his lectures on Socrates, Plato and Aristotle was a highly pleasurable experience.
I liked the level of detail in this course. The first lectures were devoted to Aristophanes and Xenophon and their writings about Socrates. This was new and interesting to me because in most other courses there's usually little time for anything except Plato on Socrates.
Plato's dialogues and Aristotle's Ethics and Politics were discussed in great detail, not just the usual scenario of Plato equals the allegory of the cave, the theory of the forms and the philosopher-king.
So why not five stars? The discussion of Plato's dialogues left me wondering where Socrates ended and Plato began -- how much of Plato's writings are retelling of what was said by Socrates and how much is Plato's original thought. There is probably no answer to this question, but I wish the lecturer at least touched upon it. The more I listened the more I felt bewildered with Socrates and Plato blurring into one. Perhaps it's of no importance or due to my lack of understanding. Anyway, my reviews and ratings reflect my subjective experience and opinions and are not meant to be objective final judgements of faults and virtues.
In the part about Aristotle I wish there were at least a tiny discussion of how having him as a teacher influenced Alexander the Great, if at all, and in general, I'd like to hear a bit more about
Aristotle the man and not only about Aristotle the philosopher, even though little is known
about him besides his works. Somehow the only figure who really came to life was Socrates. Well, I guess we've got Aristophanes, Xenophon and Plato to thank for this.;)
I liked the level of detail in this course. The first lectures were devoted to Aristophanes and Xenophon and their writings about Socrates. This was new and interesting to me because in most other courses there's usually little time for anything except Plato on Socrates.
Plato's dialogues and Aristotle's Ethics and Politics were discussed in great detail, not just the usual scenario of Plato equals the allegory of the cave, the theory of the forms and the philosopher-king.
So why not five stars? The discussion of Plato's dialogues left me wondering where Socrates ended and Plato began -- how much of Plato's writings are retelling of what was said by Socrates and how much is Plato's original thought. There is probably no answer to this question, but I wish the lecturer at least touched upon it. The more I listened the more I felt bewildered with Socrates and Plato blurring into one. Perhaps it's of no importance or due to my lack of understanding. Anyway, my reviews and ratings reflect my subjective experience and opinions and are not meant to be objective final judgements of faults and virtues.
In the part about Aristotle I wish there were at least a tiny discussion of how having him as a teacher influenced Alexander the Great, if at all, and in general, I'd like to hear a bit more about
Aristotle the man and not only about Aristotle the philosopher, even though little is known
about him besides his works. Somehow the only figure who really came to life was Socrates. Well, I guess we've got Aristophanes, Xenophon and Plato to thank for this.;)
May 19, 2019
A few days ago, my wife (Mimi) and I finished watching the Great Courses DVDs of Professor Robert C. Bartlett's lectures on the ethical and political philosophy of Socrates, Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, and Aristotle, titled "Masters of Greek Thought: Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle." See here for the course description and outline as well as information about ordering the DVDs. This lecture series is also available as an audiobook on Audible (regular price $41.95 but free with a trial subscription). The DVDs are quite expensive, but Great Courses periodically has sales, and I purchased this set for $76.79 at one such sale several months ago. Right now, they are offering 70% off the regular price of $374.95 for the DVD set. Unlike many other Great Courses offerings, this one is not currently available as a direct video download to a desktop or laptop.
I highly recommend these lectures. Professor Bartlett's introduction to and interpretation of these classic writings of political and ethical philosophy (Socrates, of course, did not write anything himself) are altogether excellent. It is a perfect introduction for a beginner and a great refresher for someone like me who has read widely and deeply in Plato and Aristotle. My wife, who had little previous exposure to ancient Greek political and ethical philosophy, has become virtually an expert on the subject just from watching these lectures.
Although the lectures never mention Leo Strauss, Professor Bartlett is a Straussian, and his lectures are consistent with Strauss's interpretive approach. He occasionally mentions other interpretations and explains why, in his view, they are incorrect. More often, such criticism is merely implicit in Bartlett's presentation.
What struck me as most remarkable was Bartlett's impeccable composition of the scripts for these lectures. He clearly spent a great deal of time figuring out how to present the material in the clearest possible manner. Not a word was wasted.
If one purchases the DVDs, one can also purchase a complete course transcript for $20.00. I have made such a purchase and will be consulting the transcript as I continue my reading of these classical political and ethical philosophers.
I highly recommend these lectures. Professor Bartlett's introduction to and interpretation of these classic writings of political and ethical philosophy (Socrates, of course, did not write anything himself) are altogether excellent. It is a perfect introduction for a beginner and a great refresher for someone like me who has read widely and deeply in Plato and Aristotle. My wife, who had little previous exposure to ancient Greek political and ethical philosophy, has become virtually an expert on the subject just from watching these lectures.
Although the lectures never mention Leo Strauss, Professor Bartlett is a Straussian, and his lectures are consistent with Strauss's interpretive approach. He occasionally mentions other interpretations and explains why, in his view, they are incorrect. More often, such criticism is merely implicit in Bartlett's presentation.
What struck me as most remarkable was Bartlett's impeccable composition of the scripts for these lectures. He clearly spent a great deal of time figuring out how to present the material in the clearest possible manner. Not a word was wasted.
If one purchases the DVDs, one can also purchase a complete course transcript for $20.00. I have made such a purchase and will be consulting the transcript as I continue my reading of these classical political and ethical philosophers.
July 24, 2016
The professor is very good at making these philosophers relevant to today and explaining what their dialogs (in Socrates' case) or books (in Aristotle's case) mean. He did such a good job it took me a month to finish this course because I would often end up listening to the play, dialog or book he was talking about for free through LibriVox (why does Audible overcharge for those things?).
Here's a mnemonic I use: think of three Greeks in their togas in a SPA, therefore you'll know the order that they come in (S)corates, (P)lato, and (A)ristotle.
The professor really seemed to focus on Plato's dialogs that involved Socrates and therefore I would say the Plato part of the lecture was really about Socrates.
The professor does something I really liked. He demystifies Socrates and puts him back down to earth. He'll say, for example, that the Republic is not really about a utopian state but is about how to understand what justice is within an individual and even as Socrates clearly states it's just a way to magnify the pieces that make up the whole within the individual the same way a sign written in bigger letters allows one to see better. Even the allegory of the cave is not strictly speaking about philosophy, but is more about our political understanding of the world (I think the professor says it that way, but he is a Political Scientist and sees the world that way).
The professor gives a very good contrast between Socrates and Aristotle. Socrates would say that The Good (Virtue) is depended on our Knowledge and The Bad (Vice) is done because of the ignorance we have. Incontinence (the lack of control we have over ourselves or thoughts) is due only because of our ignorance, and therefore we never can knowingly do bad. Aristotle would say that we can knowingly do bad things to ourselves and we do that in spite of our knowledge.
I really loved what the professor had to say on Aristotle's ethics, and I ended up listening to that with LibriVox. I never would have been able to follow that book without this lecture telling me what he was really saying (Aristotle is a miserably poor writer, but is always worth while wading through because he sees the world unlike anybody else). In brief, don't let the world distract you from what is unimportant and focus on the contemplative instead and wake-up!
Here's a mnemonic I use: think of three Greeks in their togas in a SPA, therefore you'll know the order that they come in (S)corates, (P)lato, and (A)ristotle.
The professor really seemed to focus on Plato's dialogs that involved Socrates and therefore I would say the Plato part of the lecture was really about Socrates.
The professor does something I really liked. He demystifies Socrates and puts him back down to earth. He'll say, for example, that the Republic is not really about a utopian state but is about how to understand what justice is within an individual and even as Socrates clearly states it's just a way to magnify the pieces that make up the whole within the individual the same way a sign written in bigger letters allows one to see better. Even the allegory of the cave is not strictly speaking about philosophy, but is more about our political understanding of the world (I think the professor says it that way, but he is a Political Scientist and sees the world that way).
The professor gives a very good contrast between Socrates and Aristotle. Socrates would say that The Good (Virtue) is depended on our Knowledge and The Bad (Vice) is done because of the ignorance we have. Incontinence (the lack of control we have over ourselves or thoughts) is due only because of our ignorance, and therefore we never can knowingly do bad. Aristotle would say that we can knowingly do bad things to ourselves and we do that in spite of our knowledge.
I really loved what the professor had to say on Aristotle's ethics, and I ended up listening to that with LibriVox. I never would have been able to follow that book without this lecture telling me what he was really saying (Aristotle is a miserably poor writer, but is always worth while wading through because he sees the world unlike anybody else). In brief, don't let the world distract you from what is unimportant and focus on the contemplative instead and wake-up!
July 24, 2024
فقط جلسات ۳۲ تا ۳۵ را نگاه کردم، برای شرح کتاب سیاست ارسطو.
November 18, 2023
This comprehensive course, spanning 36 lectures, delves into the profound philosophical legacies of three titans of ancient Greece: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It primarily concentrates on the realms of ethics and politics, offering an in-depth exploration into the concepts of justice, virtue, and the nature of various political regimes.
According to the course's author, the pivotal moment in ancient philosophical development was the "Socratic Revolution." This marked a watershed moment as Socrates turned his focus from natural phenomena to the deeper examination of human nature and societal issues. His epoch-making contribution lay in probing the intricacies of ethics, piety, and justice and illuminating their complexities. Socrates' approach, characterized by challenging established intuitions and conventional thoughts, initiated a rigorous, reason-based exploration of ethics and politics. This intellectual quest was further advanced and refined by his illustrious students, Plato and Aristotle.
The course skillfully illustrates Socrates’ distinctive teaching approach, known today as dialectics. This method, marked by Socratic irony — a feigned ignorance — allowed Socrates to employ incisive, probing questions to uncover contradictions and ambiguities in people’s thoughts and beliefs. In adopting this approach, he established a tradition of critical inquiry and intellectual rigor that continues to influence contemporary discourse and education.
As Socrates left behind no written works, the course reconstructs his story through the writings of his contemporaries. A substantial portion of the lectures is dedicated to Plato’s dialogues, which provide a vivid depiction of Socrates' interactions with other philosophers and offer insights into his thoughts during and following his trial. However, it's noteworthy that the course does not extensively explore Plato's own philosophical contributions and ideas, focusing instead primarily on his accounts of Socrates.
In contrast to Socrates, Aristotle bequeathed a substantial body of written work. The course delves into his perspectives on ethics and politics, drawing extensively from his treatises on these subjects. Unlike Socrates, who was known for his probing questions, Aristotle's approach was characterized by providing structured and comprehensive answers, often accompanied by detailed classifications. His methodical and pragmatic approach is evident in the way he delineated concepts that Socrates left more ambiguously defined, such as "justice" and "goodness." Aristotle systematically categorized virtues into moral and intellectual types, each supported by extensive lists of characters, showcasing his penchant for thoroughness and precision in philosophical inquiry.
The course's lectures are meticulously structured for clarity and comprehension. Each session begins with a recapitulation of the previous lecture, followed by an overview of the current topic. Periodic summaries are interspersed, and key points are reiterated, reflecting the author's intent to facilitate the audience's grasp of the main ideas without necessitating constant review of the material. Nevertheless, given the intricate nature of the subject matter and the extensive number of lectures, maintaining individual lecture notes proved to be beneficial for reinforcing understanding and retention of the complex concepts discussed.
The author appears to labor in striking an optimal balance between presenting the original texts and crafting a coherent narrative. New ideas and materials are frequently introduced during summary and discussion segments, which can be challenging for those not already acquainted with the primary sources. This approach requires the audience to rely heavily on the author's interpretation, without the immediate assurance that these interpretations are firmly rooted in the original texts. For a more rounded understanding and to verify the author's perspectives, it would be beneficial to engage with similar courses offered by other scholars, allowing for a comparative analysis.
Greek philosophy encompasses a broad array of topics, yet this course narrows its focus specifically to ethics and politics. Notably absent is an exploration of metaphysics and epistemology, areas where Plato and Aristotle transformationally shaped, as well as any mention of the genesis of formal logic forged by Aristotle. While these omissions are understandable, and unavoidable, a more explicit acknowledgment is desirable. Ideally, the course could include at least one lecture dedicated to outlining these additional areas, providing a roadmap for learners interested in further exploring the expansive terrain of Greek philosophical thought.
In summary, "Masters of Greek Thought" offers a comprehensive and methodical exploration of the Socratic school, a cornerstone in the edifice of Western intellectual tradition. The course adeptly lays out the foundational principles and ideas that have shaped Western culture, thought, and societal structures. It serves as an excellent introductory resource for anyone seeking to understand the origins and evolution of our philosophical heritage and societal norms.
Course Description and Notes Below
https://www.thegreatcourses.com/cours...
According to the course's author, the pivotal moment in ancient philosophical development was the "Socratic Revolution." This marked a watershed moment as Socrates turned his focus from natural phenomena to the deeper examination of human nature and societal issues. His epoch-making contribution lay in probing the intricacies of ethics, piety, and justice and illuminating their complexities. Socrates' approach, characterized by challenging established intuitions and conventional thoughts, initiated a rigorous, reason-based exploration of ethics and politics. This intellectual quest was further advanced and refined by his illustrious students, Plato and Aristotle.
The course skillfully illustrates Socrates’ distinctive teaching approach, known today as dialectics. This method, marked by Socratic irony — a feigned ignorance — allowed Socrates to employ incisive, probing questions to uncover contradictions and ambiguities in people’s thoughts and beliefs. In adopting this approach, he established a tradition of critical inquiry and intellectual rigor that continues to influence contemporary discourse and education.
As Socrates left behind no written works, the course reconstructs his story through the writings of his contemporaries. A substantial portion of the lectures is dedicated to Plato’s dialogues, which provide a vivid depiction of Socrates' interactions with other philosophers and offer insights into his thoughts during and following his trial. However, it's noteworthy that the course does not extensively explore Plato's own philosophical contributions and ideas, focusing instead primarily on his accounts of Socrates.
In contrast to Socrates, Aristotle bequeathed a substantial body of written work. The course delves into his perspectives on ethics and politics, drawing extensively from his treatises on these subjects. Unlike Socrates, who was known for his probing questions, Aristotle's approach was characterized by providing structured and comprehensive answers, often accompanied by detailed classifications. His methodical and pragmatic approach is evident in the way he delineated concepts that Socrates left more ambiguously defined, such as "justice" and "goodness." Aristotle systematically categorized virtues into moral and intellectual types, each supported by extensive lists of characters, showcasing his penchant for thoroughness and precision in philosophical inquiry.
The course's lectures are meticulously structured for clarity and comprehension. Each session begins with a recapitulation of the previous lecture, followed by an overview of the current topic. Periodic summaries are interspersed, and key points are reiterated, reflecting the author's intent to facilitate the audience's grasp of the main ideas without necessitating constant review of the material. Nevertheless, given the intricate nature of the subject matter and the extensive number of lectures, maintaining individual lecture notes proved to be beneficial for reinforcing understanding and retention of the complex concepts discussed.
The author appears to labor in striking an optimal balance between presenting the original texts and crafting a coherent narrative. New ideas and materials are frequently introduced during summary and discussion segments, which can be challenging for those not already acquainted with the primary sources. This approach requires the audience to rely heavily on the author's interpretation, without the immediate assurance that these interpretations are firmly rooted in the original texts. For a more rounded understanding and to verify the author's perspectives, it would be beneficial to engage with similar courses offered by other scholars, allowing for a comparative analysis.
Greek philosophy encompasses a broad array of topics, yet this course narrows its focus specifically to ethics and politics. Notably absent is an exploration of metaphysics and epistemology, areas where Plato and Aristotle transformationally shaped, as well as any mention of the genesis of formal logic forged by Aristotle. While these omissions are understandable, and unavoidable, a more explicit acknowledgment is desirable. Ideally, the course could include at least one lecture dedicated to outlining these additional areas, providing a roadmap for learners interested in further exploring the expansive terrain of Greek philosophical thought.
In summary, "Masters of Greek Thought" offers a comprehensive and methodical exploration of the Socratic school, a cornerstone in the edifice of Western intellectual tradition. The course adeptly lays out the foundational principles and ideas that have shaped Western culture, thought, and societal structures. It serves as an excellent introductory resource for anyone seeking to understand the origins and evolution of our philosophical heritage and societal norms.
Course Description and Notes Below
https://www.thegreatcourses.com/cours...
October 8, 2014
Great Series!
July 12, 2024
Aug 2017. Again, just the lectures on Socrates and Plato.
Oct 2016. Excellent! I won't forget the notion of a "Presocratic Socrates," culled from Aristophanes and Xenophon, whom I need to read.
Oct 2016. Excellent! I won't forget the notion of a "Presocratic Socrates," culled from Aristophanes and Xenophon, whom I need to read.
November 4, 2016
An excellent lecture series. I'm looking forward to incorporating some new ideas in my teaching of Aristophanes, Plato, and Aristotle this semester.
October 10, 2020
I had thought it would take several months to complete this audiobook. On the contrary, I enjoyed it so much, I was eager - almost daily - to listen to often 30-45 minutes a day to learn more. I took philosophy in high school and college years ago, but it was so dry and/or puzzling I remember very little. (My high school instructor, while lively, would obsess on one topic such as Plato’s Cave Allegory until we were sick of hearing about it).
While I know this collection of lectures is intended to give us an overview of Greek philosophy’s Big Three - Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, it is a nice introduction or review of things many of us have forgotten or have a vague recollection of. I also managed to learn new material such as the details of Socrates’ trial; Xenophon the historian/philosopher/soldier; Aristophanes’ play The Clouds; the very complicated Alcibiades (a student of Socrates)...and was able to build a timeline in my head as I realized that the Peloponnesian War raged during some of this. Hearing this lecture, in addition to reading Victor Davis Hanson’s “A War Like No Other” has made these great companion pieces and I had no idea it would work out so well.
I listened to this as part of my history studies as I prepare for a trip to Greece in 2022. As a history buff, this audiobook was just what I had hoped for, and my plan is to listen again one or two more times before that adventure. Here’s hoping I can find more lectures or books by the author.
While I know this collection of lectures is intended to give us an overview of Greek philosophy’s Big Three - Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, it is a nice introduction or review of things many of us have forgotten or have a vague recollection of. I also managed to learn new material such as the details of Socrates’ trial; Xenophon the historian/philosopher/soldier; Aristophanes’ play The Clouds; the very complicated Alcibiades (a student of Socrates)...and was able to build a timeline in my head as I realized that the Peloponnesian War raged during some of this. Hearing this lecture, in addition to reading Victor Davis Hanson’s “A War Like No Other” has made these great companion pieces and I had no idea it would work out so well.
I listened to this as part of my history studies as I prepare for a trip to Greece in 2022. As a history buff, this audiobook was just what I had hoped for, and my plan is to listen again one or two more times before that adventure. Here’s hoping I can find more lectures or books by the author.
May 10, 2021
I just could not click with Bartlett's lectures, but I can't articulate exactly why. He summarizes most of the works accurately and succinctly and he picks the right dialogues/works to explore. A good teacher's job is to ground the material (especially older and abstract works like Plato and Aristotle) in a manner that is accessible and relatable to modern audiences. With deep thinkers like the Ancient Greeks who have been pondered over for two millennia, that shouldn't require reinventing the wheel but I found his lectures just as abstract, even more opaque about why any of it matters.
Luckily, I turned to other lecturers who did a much better job of forcing the reader to digest and contemplate the works (and for free): Yale's Stephen B. Smith had a great series of lectures covering half of Plato's Republic (https://oyc.yale.edu/political-scienc...), and two podcasts, the History of Philosophy without any Gaps (https://historyofphilosophy.net/) and Philosophize This! (https://www.philosophizethis.org/) had great episodes on almost all the same works as covered by Bartlett.
Maybe good for a review if you're already familiar with the works, but there are much better introductions or companion lectures for such meaningful works that shouldn't be glossed over.
Luckily, I turned to other lecturers who did a much better job of forcing the reader to digest and contemplate the works (and for free): Yale's Stephen B. Smith had a great series of lectures covering half of Plato's Republic (https://oyc.yale.edu/political-scienc...), and two podcasts, the History of Philosophy without any Gaps (https://historyofphilosophy.net/) and Philosophize This! (https://www.philosophizethis.org/) had great episodes on almost all the same works as covered by Bartlett.
Maybe good for a review if you're already familiar with the works, but there are much better introductions or companion lectures for such meaningful works that shouldn't be glossed over.
August 19, 2021
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.
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.
December 30, 2022
This is a good survey of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle’s philosophy, full of terrific nuance and detail. Listening to this encapsulation of Aristotle is a good deal easier than trying to read him. Amazing is how relevant it all remains. I recall asking the same or similarly naïve questions as Socrates’ students or detractors when I was a kid. “Aren’t moral people just suckers for the immoral?” Movies are still made about such questions: “Is greed good?” Amazing also how humans haven’t changed, from the politically motivated and piously inspired killing of Socrates for speaking truth to power, followed by society-wide guilt, to trying to do the same to Aristotle fifty years later. This 36-part series makes clear that philosophy remains a risky business because societies then as now aren’t all too friendly with truth, as we see in left/right politics and global destruction for today’s dollar. Once again, The Great Courses serves to fill in my ignorance through the ears on a walk with in the woods with the pups, and by an expert in the field who spent their life doing the hard work for me.
February 20, 2025
Качественно сделанные лекции - не вижу причин понижать рейтинг.
Другой вопрос что я в очередной раз убедился, что философия вызывает у меня практически омерзение.
Если вдуматься, то это попытка найти смысл в том, в чем нет смысла - существовании человека.
Здесь я даже с большей симпатией отношусь к религии, которая делает это со стороны эмоций.
Философия кошмарно скучна своими попытками нагромождения колоссальных псевдо логических конструкций, которые при этом не имеют никакой твердой основы.
Ну нет какого-то волшебного предназначения у человека.
Это как искать предназначение плесени.
Тут я совершенно солидарен со стоиками, которые хотя бы честно это признаю - делай как лучше и будь что будет.
Или кстати самураи - важен путь а не цель.
Но нельзя не отдать должное мощи древнегреческих мыслителей, которые по сути уже тысячи лет сказали все, что можно было на тему философии придумать.
К тому же их извиняло отсутствие нынешнего понимания нашего места во вселенной.
Зная о нем попытки философствовать уже просто шарлатанство какое-то
Другой вопрос что я в очередной раз убедился, что философия вызывает у меня практически омерзение.
Если вдуматься, то это попытка найти смысл в том, в чем нет смысла - существовании человека.
Здесь я даже с большей симпатией отношусь к религии, которая делает это со стороны эмоций.
Философия кошмарно скучна своими попытками нагромождения колоссальных псевдо логических конструкций, которые при этом не имеют никакой твердой основы.
Ну нет какого-то волшебного предназначения у человека.
Это как искать предназначение плесени.
Тут я совершенно солидарен со стоиками, которые хотя бы честно это признаю - делай как лучше и будь что будет.
Или кстати самураи - важен путь а не цель.
Но нельзя не отдать должное мощи древнегреческих мыслителей, которые по сути уже тысячи лет сказали все, что можно было на тему философии придумать.
К тому же их извиняло отсутствие нынешнего понимания нашего места во вселенной.
Зная о нем попытки философствовать уже просто шарлатанство какое-то
March 14, 2018
A highly enjoyable and educational lecture series on three giants of philosophy. It’s pretty long, clocking in at over eighteen hours, but it’s worth the time investment if you want to listen to someone summarizing and analyzing the lives and thoughts of these three men. The bulk of it is dedicated to Socrates and Plato, as it’s virtually impossible to separate the two or tell where one ends and the other begins, especially in the dialogues, and there’s a lengthy discussion of Aristotle’s ethics and politics.
If you want to feel like you’re in a first or second year philosophy class again, this is an awesome way to approach it. There’s rarely a bad time to ask why we believe what we believe, and what the best way to live is...even if there are no concrete answers at the end, or if the ones given are not all-encompassing. They’re still worth exploring because, as Socrates (or Plato?) said, the unexamined life is not worth living.
If you want to feel like you’re in a first or second year philosophy class again, this is an awesome way to approach it. There’s rarely a bad time to ask why we believe what we believe, and what the best way to live is...even if there are no concrete answers at the end, or if the ones given are not all-encompassing. They’re still worth exploring because, as Socrates (or Plato?) said, the unexamined life is not worth living.
February 14, 2022
This is an interesting and useful series of lectures concerning three philosophers who sit at the very foundations of all of Western thought. Overall, they were well done and worthwhile.
If you’re going to read some of Plato’s Socratic Dialogues and some of the, admittedly dry, works of Aristotle. You could do worse than pairing them up with these lectures. They are very well done. I wish, however, Professor Bartlett had spent a bit more time discussing the legacy of these philosophers, what they meant to Western civilization and thought. He sprinkles a bit in here, but I was hoping for a bit more.
I’m not unhappy to finally be done with Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle for the time being. After spending weeks reading some of the high points of their work, and following it up with these lectures, I’m ready to move on.
And now, in furtherance of my education in the Western literary tradition, it’s time to read some Augustine. May God help me.
If you’re going to read some of Plato’s Socratic Dialogues and some of the, admittedly dry, works of Aristotle. You could do worse than pairing them up with these lectures. They are very well done. I wish, however, Professor Bartlett had spent a bit more time discussing the legacy of these philosophers, what they meant to Western civilization and thought. He sprinkles a bit in here, but I was hoping for a bit more.
I’m not unhappy to finally be done with Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle for the time being. After spending weeks reading some of the high points of their work, and following it up with these lectures, I’m ready to move on.
And now, in furtherance of my education in the Western literary tradition, it’s time to read some Augustine. May God help me.
October 22, 2019
It feels a little bit like cheating to count this as a book, but what the hell, it's here in good reads and I listened to the whole thing, although the last third...I gotta say, didn't really sink in.
It was okay. I had a yen for learning some of that classic philosophy, but it didn't dig into it the way I was looking for it - this is what happens with survey courses, of course. I liked the first half quite a bit more than the second - Socrates and Plato were great! Socrates had that whole trial thing, death by execution (I hadn't known he was ordered to drink the hemlock because it was a death sentence! I always thought it was suicide hemlock! How had I not known that! )
But once that was done with, Aristotle and his virtue were pretty dang dull. So. Onward. Done with the Greeks, I might see if I can find some Locke and Hobbes and Kant in the Great Courses.
It was okay. I had a yen for learning some of that classic philosophy, but it didn't dig into it the way I was looking for it - this is what happens with survey courses, of course. I liked the first half quite a bit more than the second - Socrates and Plato were great! Socrates had that whole trial thing, death by execution (I hadn't known he was ordered to drink the hemlock because it was a death sentence! I always thought it was suicide hemlock! How had I not known that! )
But once that was done with, Aristotle and his virtue were pretty dang dull. So. Onward. Done with the Greeks, I might see if I can find some Locke and Hobbes and Kant in the Great Courses.
January 16, 2023
This one is definitely not one of my favorite great courses. The section on Socrates saved the lecture series. It was expansive and informative and really did a good job of putting the reader in the action taking place in Socrates's life. The section on Plato was the second best part of the series, but it was very short, and not intensive enough to level the series up. The section on Aristotle was where I was most disappointed. I found it rather boring, and my mind kept wandering. It's likely my fault but I just could not pick up what the professor was throwing down. I will look somewhere else for more info on Aristotle.
June 18, 2023
3 stars: I liked it.
Well organized and cohesive selection of lectures. The subject matter is one I’m very interested in.
However, I often found my attention wandering as I listened. The speaker was obviously knowledgeable, but also obviously reading from a script. The language was a bit overwrought and wordy. I think it would have been more enjoyable and useful if he had a more natural speaking style.
Well organized and cohesive selection of lectures. The subject matter is one I’m very interested in.
However, I often found my attention wandering as I listened. The speaker was obviously knowledgeable, but also obviously reading from a script. The language was a bit overwrought and wordy. I think it would have been more enjoyable and useful if he had a more natural speaking style.
April 28, 2025
While this doesn’t go super deep it does provide a great overview and some specifics about each of these philosophers. Of course, with Socrates, we have nothing (that we know of) written by him only the telling of him through his students. Understanding how someone lives can lead to a greater understand of their beliefs and thoughts on many aspects of their lives and the world in which they live. Highly recommend.
March 29, 2022
Not my favorite Great Course I've encountered thus far. Definitely learned more about Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, but felt incredibly long and dry. The best bits were probably the lectures about Plato's writings about Socrates' trial and death, with the Aristotle sections really hard to focus on while listening to the audiobook version.
October 16, 2020
A really great audio series. Learned a lot. Naturally, there's some overlap with Michael Sugrue's "Plato, Socrates, and the Dialogues" from The Great Courses, but they are plenty distinct enough that both are worth listening to.
September 16, 2022
Pretty good with no pre assumption you've read any of the works mentioned. Even if you have its a great refresher. By covering broad brush strokes it reveals things easily missed...Forrest, trees all that stuff.
March 7, 2019
Good review of these thinkers, though I was hoping for something on Plato's Parmenides and Aristotle's Poetics. Can't have it all, I guess.
June 21, 2020
A great series of lectures from the Teaching Company.
June 13, 2022
A good medium dive.
February 28, 2023
4.5 stars
March 21, 2025
We owe much to the past but oft pretend it never existed. Great read.
November 18, 2020
Great precursor to reading the respective works.
A good choice foranyone wanting to get a foothold on those three thinkers.
Having listened prior only to 2 histories of philosophy, my grasp of what had been done in the craddle of philosophy had still been beyond holey and this seemed to be a good place, to get the context and some main ideas.
This course is by a professor of hellenistic studies who did his fair bit of gardening in this landscape of thought.
Barlett never proposed to offer a replacement for reading the dialogues for one self but did a great job developing a picture of socrates utilizing different contemporary sources.
Manythoughts concluded in powerful emotions during thebthe lecture on the apologia.
While platos own ideas are not really looked at in detail, the bit on aristotele really brought the theory of virtue to life for me.
I will be thankfull for not being completely lost, when diving deeper in the broad see of philosophy.
A good choice foranyone wanting to get a foothold on those three thinkers.
Having listened prior only to 2 histories of philosophy, my grasp of what had been done in the craddle of philosophy had still been beyond holey and this seemed to be a good place, to get the context and some main ideas.
This course is by a professor of hellenistic studies who did his fair bit of gardening in this landscape of thought.
Barlett never proposed to offer a replacement for reading the dialogues for one self but did a great job developing a picture of socrates utilizing different contemporary sources.
Manythoughts concluded in powerful emotions during thebthe lecture on the apologia.
While platos own ideas are not really looked at in detail, the bit on aristotele really brought the theory of virtue to life for me.
I will be thankfull for not being completely lost, when diving deeper in the broad see of philosophy.
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