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    Dr. James Orr

    Dr. James Orr

    Philosopher

    In Ancient Philosophy, a seven-hour course, Dr. Orr takes us on an exploration of the rich history of ancient Greek thought, beginning with the foundational ideas of the Ionian and Eleatic schools and voyaging through the transformative philosophies of Plato and Aristotle. The course also examines the emergence of Stoicism and Epicureanism during the Hellenistic period, emphasizing their distinct approaches to ethics, nature, and the human condition. Throughout the course, we trace the evolution of pivotal concepts in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics that have shaped Western thought for millennia, underscoring the enduring relevance and transformative power of ancient Greek philosophy in modern times.

    Lectures

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      1. The Ionian School

      In our introductory lecture, Dr. Orr takes us on an exploration into the origins of Western philosophy by examining the ideas of the Ionian school, including Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, and Heraclitus. We witness their attempts to identify the fundamental principles of reality, such as water, air, the infinite, and logos, and discuss how their ideas laid the groundwork for the development of metaphysics and epistemology in Western thought.

      Lecture Quiz
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      2. The Eleatic School

      In lecture two, we discover the Eleatic school of thought, which emerged in Elea on the western coast of Italy, and its focus on the concept of Being as opposed to the world of Becoming. The lecture examines key figures such as Parmenides, who argued that Being is the ultimate reality and that the world of Becoming is an illusion. We also learn about Empedocles and Anaxagoras, who attempted to reconcile Parmenides' ideas with the observable world. The lecture concludes with a discussion of Pythagoras and his belief in the fundamental role of mathematics and harmony in understanding the cosmos.

      Lecture Quiz
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      3. Plato's Perspective

      In lecture three, we study the philosophy of Plato, focusing on his dialogues and the emergence of his metaphysical and epistemological ideas. Dr. Orr traces the historical and intellectual context of 5th century Athens, highlighting the influence of the sophists and Socrates on Plato's thought, and examines key dialogues such as the Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Gorgias, Meno, and Republic. We also undertake an analysis of Plato's famous Allegory of the Cave and its implications for his Theory of Forms and the nature of knowledge and reality.

      Lecture Quiz

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