Season 1 • Episode 6
LatestIn our sixth and final lecture, we analyze the philosophy of Epicurus, who developed a materialist metaphysics based on the idea that all reality is reducible to indivisible atoms governed by chance. This atomistic view has implications for Epicurean ethics, religion, and politics, emphasizing detachment, egalitarianism, and a skepticism towards social hierarchies. We also extrapolate the influence of Epicurean philosophy on thinkers like Marx. Dr. Orr concludes by emphasizing the enduring relevance of ancient philosophy in questioning our modern assumptions about truth and reality.
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.
Creator
Dr. James Orr
US
