Ancient Greek Philosophy: Introduction

by Tom Griffith (Artist), Hugh Griffith, Bruce Alexander (Narrator)

The philosophy of Ancient Greece provides the background of Western ethical thought and politics. In this approachable introduction, Hugh Griffith, a leading translator of Plato, covers the main ground from the Pre-Socratics through Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics and the Epicureans. In each case, the figures are introduced before a compilation of key texts in lively translations.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

Audio CD

First published June 5, 2007

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not recommend this book as an introduction of Ancient Greek Philosophy. The book cursorily covers the pre-Socratics and then follows with a chapter each on Plato, Aristotle and a combined chapter covering the Epicureans and the Stoics. There is no coverage of the Platonists (middle or neo), Neo-pythagoreans or any of the minor philosophical schools of late antiquity. With the exception of the first very short chapter on the pre-Socratics the remaining chapters are comprised primarily of excerpts from the respective philosophers. There is very little introductory material providing the setting of each philosopher or school. Too many direct quotes and not enough explanatory background information. If this book was to be an introduction it falls short of providing the background needed for someone with little previous knowledge of ancient Greek Philosophy.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think if I had not actually stuck it out and listened to this all the way through, it may have gotten two stars from me, but having listened to the WHOLE thing…OMG, what a way to kill anyone’s interest in this topic. On paper, this is a great idea – use a wide cast of voice actors to provide readings of excerpts of some of the great works. In practice? This was a hot mess of LONG, sometimes difficult to follow excerpts with way too little preface before or interpretation after. I feel like the only reason I was able to follow it as well as I did was because I’ve been slowly working my way through the History of Philosophy (without any gaps) Podcast and listen to each episode multiple times. With this solid background, I did find it enjoyable to hear the full dialogue or passage from ideas I’ve already heard explained in sufficient detail elsewhere.

[Joshua Dew · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm surprised it took two people to compile this piss-poor introduction to ancient Greek philosophy. Most of the book consists of lengthy tracts of text taken from Plato and Aristotle cobbled together with some bare-bones commentary. Includes some brief selections from Pre-Socratics, Epicureans, and Stoics but fails to adequately recognize their importance or accurately summarize their arguments. You'll get a better introduction to Greek philosophy from a 10 minute YouTube video.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I very very rarely attempt to listen to audiobooks, but this one was free and available on one of my services.
At first I thought it was just me not being used to audiobooks, but I have to give it just one star as I found it lacking as an introduction and not very engaging. I definitely wouldn’t have finished it if I wasn’t on a plane with no physical book to read.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The content of this book wasn't bad it was just written really badly.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readings were great, commentary was lacking

[LemontreeLime · Rating 2 out of 5]

This audio is actually a patchwork or other audiobooks, which are in themselves good performances, but somehow this cobbled together audio left me unsatisfied. I think I wanted MORE about the philosophers not snippets of their works dramatically done.

[Sumner Williams]

Decent. Amazing how many of the ideas in the Epicureans are present in modern physics.