Ancient Philosophy— The Ionian School

Overview

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.

Documentary Talk

Current EpisodeSeason 1 • Episode 1Aired: 2025-10-2067 min

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.