Topics discussed:

 * A review of the philosophers covered in Unit I
 * A summary of the sociopolitical conditions that gave rise to anti-democratic sentiment
 * A brief biography of Plato, up to the period in which he opens his school

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].


Lesson 1.9: On the Sacred Road

Topics discussed:

 * The history and mythology of Pythagoras
 * The workings of Pythagorean communities
 * The benefits of routine and social pressure
 * The ethics of the Pythagorean Archytas

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].

Lesson 1.8: The Spell of Mathematics

Topics discussed: 

 * The philosophical notion of bullshit
 * Socratic questioning
 * Socrates' motivations for engaging in Socratic questioning
 * Socrates' ethics
 * Xenophon on self-mastery

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].

Lesson 1.7: On Hunting with Dogs

Topics discussed: 

 * The atomistic philosophy of Democritus
 * The role of chance in our success or failure (and what that means for our ethics according to Democritus)
 * Democritus' maxims for how to achieve ataraxia (tranquility)
 * Democritus' notion that what's good for us is good for society

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].

Lesson 1.6: The Knowledge

Topics discussed:

 * The Sophistic movement in general
 * The traditional take on Protagoras
 * Revisionary takes on Protagoras
 * The psychodynamic reflections of Gorgias
 * Prodicus' views on the importance of a good vocabulary

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].

Lesson 1.5: Relativity Theory

Topics discussed:

 * A brief synopsis of the views of Parmenides
 * Anaxagoras' notions of an "original mixture" and Mind (an early version of the laws of nature)
 * Empedocles' theories of Love and Strife
 * The sociological factors behind intellectual progress
 * Empedocles' defense of universal ethical principles

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].

Lesson 1.4: Magma

Topics discussed:

 * The Persian Invasions of Greece
 * Xenophanes' theological views
 * Xenophanes' distinction between knowledge and belief
 * Epistemic self-awareness
 * Heraclitus' relativism and his doctrine of flux
 * Heraclitus' views on improving the soul

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].

Lesson 1.3: The Exile and the Riddler

Topics discussed: 

 * The Milesian Worldview
 * The philosophy of Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes 
 * Ethical reflections on Anaximander's thought
 * The Milesian revolt against Persian control

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].

Lesson 1.2: A Stone, Floating in Midair

This is the introductory lesson to PHIL 111: Ancient/Medieval Philosophy. 

Topics discussed: 

 * Basic details about the material
 * The running theme of the course
 * Historical context for understanding Iron Age Greece

For more information, visit theluxuryofvirtue.com [https://www.theluxuryofvirtue.com/].

Lesson 1.1: Before Virtue

These are the audio files for the PHIL courses taught by R. C. M. García at El Camino College. 

The Luxury of Virtue