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Philosophy I

By R.C. Sproul

Take a historical journey with Dr. R.C. Sproul as he demonstrates how ideas from ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato shape the way we currently think about world events, theology, fine arts, and culture.

  • Join the Worldwide Class

    or
    $45 / person

    Take this course with a class of Ligonier Connect students from around the world. Registration includes:

    • 24/7 access for 6 months to complete the course at your own pace
    • Video lectures from Dr. R.C. Sproul along with the full, downloadable study guide
    • Discuss questions and share notes with up to 30 other Ligonier Connect students in your class
    • Approved by the Association of Christian Schools International for one continuing education unit

  • Create your own group class

    or
    $24 / person

    Take this course with your own private group of friends, family, or colleagues (a minimum of 5 students is required). You’ll receive:

    • 24/7 access for 6 months for you and your group of 4 or more
    • Ability to monitor your group's progress and moderate discussion
    • Includes video lectures from Dr. R.C. Sproul along with the full, downloadable study guide
    • Approved by the Association of Christian Schools International for one continuing education unit

About this course

In these three philosophy courses, Dr. R.C. Sproul traces the contours of Western philosophy throughout history and shows how our culture evolved to what it is today.

From ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle to Christian philosophers such as Augustine, Anselm and Aquinas to the shapers of modern thought such as Hume, Kant and Nietzsche, R.C. demonstrates the consequences of each of these and other important thinkers’ ideas on world events, theology, the fine arts and culture, as well as our everyday lives.

Listen, and you will hear echoes of their ideas in your daily conversations — especially as you witness to unbelievers.

An optional book Consequences of Ideas can be purchased from the Ligonier Store here to enhance the learning experience.

Course Path Preview

  • GETTING STARTED

    • Welcome to Philosophy I

      • to-do Review course material
      • to-do Update your student profile
      • to-do Introduce yourself

  • The Beginnings of Philosophy

    • Lesson 1: The Beginnings of Philosophy

      • watch Thales

  • Pre-Socratic Philosophers

    • Lesson 2: Pre-Socratic Philosophers

      • watch Monism and Pluralism

    • Lesson 3: Heraclitus, Parmenides, and Zeno

      • watch Parmenides, Heraclitus, and Zeno
      • to-do Thinking in depth

  • Socrates

    • Lesson 4: Socrates

      • watch Socrates
      • to-do Thinking in depth

  • PLATO

    • Lesson 5: Plato (Part 1)

      • watch Plato (Part 1)
      • to-do Putting it into practice

    • Lesson 6: Plato (Part 2)

      • watch Plato (Part 2)
      • to-do Thinking in depth

  • ARISTOTLE

    • Lesson 7: Aristotle (Part 1)

      • watch Aristotle (Part 1)
      • to-do Putting it into practice

    • Lesson 8: Aristotle (Part 2)

      • watch Aristotle (Part 2)
      • to-do Thinking in depth

  • Plotinus and Neo-Platonism

    • Lesson 9: Plotinus and Neo-Platonism

      • watch Plotinus and Neo-Platonism

  • Augustine

    • Lesson 10: Augustine

      • watch Augustine
      • to-do Thinking in depth

  • ANSELM

    • Lesson 11: Anselm

      • watch Anselm
      • to-do Putting it into practice

  • AQUINAS

    • Lesson 12: Aquinas (Part 1)

      • watch Aquinas (Part 1)

    • Lesson 13: Aquinas (Part 2)

      • watch Aquinas (Part 2)
      • to-do Thinking in depth

  • FINAL ASSESSMENT

    • Final Assessment

      • Take Final Assessment

About the teacher

R.C. Sproul
Dr. R.C. Sproul is founder and president of Ligonier Ministries, Ligonier Academy and Reformation Bible College.

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