Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists
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Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists
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Narrated by:
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Luke Timothy Johnson
About this listen
It's easy to forget that philosophy means "love of wisdom," not "love of thinking." In addition to philosophy that tells you how to think well, the field also provides guidance on how to live well - solid advice on how to be a good father or friend, or how to grow old gracefully, or to know what true happiness is.
Greek and Roman thinkers such as Marcus Tullius Cicero, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Dio Chrysostom, and Plutarch of Chaeronea devoted their lives not to metaphysics and epistemology but to the appreciation and practice of morality and virtue, values, and character. They give us - in plain, straightforward language - rules designed to help us progress as people.
These 24 inspiring lectures introduce you to the sages who, as a group, represent the "missing page" of the history of philosophy. Although their names are sometimes familiar to us, as in the case of Cicero and Plutarch, their philosophy is not. Studying these thinkers offers some surprising ways to think about philosophy.
For example, they believed the heart of philosophy is the question of how to live well as a human being. It is how you act, not what you think, that is most important. Virtue and morality are the keys to living a good life. And philosophers should practice what they preach (although, as you'll discover, the Greco-Roman moral philosophers certainly had flaws).
From Cicero's deep sense of civic duty to Marcus Aurelius's pursuit of wisdom and dedication to the common good, this course offers ample opportunity to hear, in their own words, the philosophers' prescriptions for healthier living.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great CoursesListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Kieran McLoughlin
- 19-09-24
Another great course!
I've come to absolutely love The Great Courses. I've done so many now, and the speakers and subjects involved are always fascinating and delivered in a wonderful way. In this case, we delve into the Greco-Roman of philosophy. I would regard this as a great entry point to many philosophers of that time, opening a door for you to go deeper. The Insights are great, always though-provoking. Well worth your time.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Gregory Mackin
- 08-01-20
Great for the late roman philosophical context
I listened to this to understand the influence of stoicism and christianity, having read the Moral Epistles by Seneca. There was so much more, that I have started to listen to it again.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Karol
- 25-04-17
Eureka!
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would! It puts one in awe of the incredible wisdom that's been amassed by the ancients that is sadly forgotten in this day and age, but should be shouted from the rooftops! The Greco-Roman moralists should be known to every high school student.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists?
I couldn't name one particular moment - but there's so many things that are said by the thinkers that make perfect sense while at the same time are also said in a simple, yet elegant way - something that is very lacking in modern academia.
Any additional comments?
I enjoyed it so much I came re-listened some of the chapters right after finishing the book.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tobias Engberg
- 19-07-18
Very, very good
These lectures are so good. It gives justice to all the thinkers described by being so very balanced. And I also likes his comments about our present situation.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- N. Hammond
- 18-04-18
Not to be taken too seriously
Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
Yes, it was well-spent - though perhaps not for the reasons that it was produced. It was plausible, well set out, and articulately delivered .. which make it a great boone to the student and listener.
What was most disappointing about The Great Courses and Luke Timothy Johnson ’s story?
There was little of disappointment, only a sense of mistake - making the past 'relevant' to today (by forcing comparisons).
What do you think the narrator could have done better?
The Post-Modern aspect of Modernism's self-centred-ness - as an agenda by which to measure all else - could have been cut, or at least treated much more critically.
Did Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists inspire you to do anything?
Not especially, but it has helped to expose some of the assumptions presented as a given by lecturers.
Any additional comments?
A good course to follow, if taken with a handy pinch of salt. The basic tenet of the presentation, that of philosophy as a context for understanding wisdom not merely of disputing ideas of knowledge, is a helpful starting place. Simply try to get past the Lesson For Us psycho-babble, and you'll have a fine window through which to view the subjects.
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