Classics

A study of Western Philosophy usually begins with the Greeks.  But perhaps it is time to compare and contrast modern science, modern media, and modern news with traditional Greek Philosophy.  What difference does 2,500 years make in determining what our big questions are today, compared to what they were then?

Over the centuries, people have asked all sorts of big questions–Who are we? What is the importance of character in living well?  Are humans inherently selfish?  How do we acquire Wisdom?  How do we make our decisions in life? Is there a God?

This section will include essays and materials from a handful of  well known early Greek writers of Philosophy.  Fables from Aesop are included, as fables are certainly one of the ways humans have always chosen to transmit wisdom.  These are materials that one might find in many anthologies, and they offer much material for those key discussions often found in the world of Philosophy.

The conversations between Socrates and Glaucon in the Allegory of the Cave, the Metaphysics of Aristotle and Aristotle’s Virtues,  Socrates’ dialogue with Euthyphro about piety (virtue) and of course that good, hard look at our fundamental human character in the Plato’s Republic “Ring of Gyges” all provide rich material to get people thinking about what it means to be human.

These ancient writings have remarkably modern and relevant ideas for us.  Included with each are some more modern day takes on these concepts.  Interviews, Ted Talks, videos, news columns–these all offer modern perspective and everyday application of philosophy.  They might raise some of those same ancient questions, but with new twists!