COURSE DESCRIPTION
Where did philosophy really begin — and why does it still matter?

This six-week seminar explores one of the most consequential transformations in human history: the emergence of philosophy in ancient Greece. We begin with the familiar figures of Plato and Aristotle, whose ideas have shaped Western thought for over two millennia, and then ask a surprising question: How did this way of thinking come into being at all?
Along the way, we uncover unexpected puzzles — Who was the historical Socrates? Did Plato teach doctrines never written down? Can Aristotle be trusted as a historian of philosophy? — and then work backward to the technological, political, and cultural conditions that made philosophical thinking possible in the first place.

Rather than treating philosophy as an abstract body of theories, this course situates its origins in concrete human practices: geometry and measurement, city-planning and architecture, mapping, astronomy, and engineering. Figures such as Thales and Anaximander emerge not as isolated geniuses, but as participants in a broader transformation in how human beings came to understand nature, knowledge, and consequently themselves.

The course concludes by reflecting on what it means to become philosophical — not just in ancient Greece, but today. What kind of culture makes philosophy possible? And what can the Greek experience teach us about rational inquiry, public debate, and intellectual responsibility in our own time?

No prior background in philosophy is required — only curiosity.

COURSE FORMAT
This is an interactive in-person seminar course that meets weekly over 6 weeks. This course will meet at the Jay Suites Conference Room
369 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY

Weekly reading or other forms of materials may be assigned.
There are no papers or grades. This course does not offer any credits or certificates. This course is intended for learning for the love of learning.

COURSE MATERIALS
This course will supply reading materials through file links on the course website.

Registrants will receive access to the course website about two weeks before the course starts.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY
Registrants can cancel and receive a full refund up to September 21. After September 21, there will be no refunds issued. Yale Alumni College courses are subject to schedule changes as well as cancellations. If Yale Alumni College must cancel any course prior to its start due to low enrollment, you will be notified of this by the cancellation date. Upon cancellation of a course, registrants may transfer their registration to another available course or have the registration fee fully refunded.

In the event of a disruption to the original course schedule, including but not limited to; Professor absence, hazardous weather conditions, or local travel restrictions, Yale Alumni College will do its best to reschedule the missed class for the week immediately following the original end date at the same course time and day.