This course is a more detailed look at the origins of philosophy. It begins with a brief examination of the Pre-Socratics before moving on to the man first recognized as a ‘philosopher’ – Socrates. We examine one Socrates’ most famous dialogues to understand his method of elenchus. We then move to a consideration of the philosophy of Plato and one of his most important contributions to the history of philosophy – the theory of form. Finally we consider the last of the great Greek philosophers. Aristotle, and discuss his theory of metaphysics and this theory of friendship or philia.

Level: Detailed Introductory to Intermediate

Key Terms: Socrates; Plato; Aristotle (Pre-socratics; Euthyphro/elenchus; the theory of forms; third man argument) (29pp)