The Socratic philosophers: Aristotle
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- Start Date: 19 Jun 2025End Date: 24 Jul 2025Thu (Evening): 19:00 - 20:30OnlineFull fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £77.00
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What is the course about?
This is a basic introduction to the philosophy of Aristotle, of which his ‘Ethics’ & ‘Politics’ will form the core. The way in which Aristotle presents the human condition will be explored with reference to his naturalistic understanding of the world and of the place of human beings within it. His recommendations as to the organisation of society will also be examined with a view to thinking about its contemporary relevance.
What will we cover?
Aristotle’s ‘Four Causes’ (Material, Formal, Efficient, & Final).
Aristotle’s conception of human happiness (eudaimonia; flourishing) and its relation to virtue (excellence).
Aristotle’s account of political organisation and his naturalistic conception of human being.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Briefly, discuss what Aristotle means by ‘happiness’.
Briefly, discuss the benefits or otherwise of Aristotle’s ‘republican’ politics.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is assumed, and the level will tend to adjust to the overall level of participants. A willingness to critically and creatively engage with ideas and some basic familiarity with discussion/debate, argument, and evaluation will be beneficial. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching methods will include verbal exposition, slides with whiteboard, discussion and Q&A.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
None. Materials for your own notetaking, as you prefer.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see City Lit's website for full listings of philosophy courses.
From reading Philosophy at a young age to the formal study of Cognitive Science, Philosophy & Psychology at the Universities of London and Sussex - after a prior career in video-arts - John Goff has been presenting philosophy courses to adults since the early 2000s. He uses a cross-disciplinary, seminar-based approach in his courses, drawing on Philosophy, Psychology and the wider Humanities & Social Sciences with an emphasis on the intersection of contemporary and classical European and Asian philosophical thought. He is the author of several works of philosophical fiction concerning artificial minds and organisms and alternative-human worlds including the novel 'The Last Days of the Most Hidden Man' and the novellas 'Eidopolis', 'Agents of Erasure', 'Jupiter|Saturn' and 'Sleep|Nothing|Asylum'. His academic writings can be found on his academia.edu page at 'https://independentscholar.academia.edu/JohnGoff'.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
