Setting the Stage for Social & Political Philosophy

The ancient roots of American political and social thinking can be found in Greece. The Greeks created a social order distinctive from all others of its time: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel. It is in these places where the myths and foundational stories that drive belief and human behavior began.

Both the Progressive and conservative movements within the American idea consider the greek philosophers as the root of their ideals. Obviously a divergence since then has led to the current chasm that exists between the two.

In a series by renowned Professor Emeritus of Political Science Charles Anderson, iTunes University offers a series of lectures that provide valuable insight into these places and the roles that they played in the development of political thought.

Egypt, Mesopotamia and Ancient Israel: 48:59 Professor Charles W. Anderson Political, Economic and Social Thought

Discovery Channel: Seven Wonders of Ancient Greece
Greece Part 1] [Greece Part 2] [Greece Part 3] [Greece Part 4] [Greece Part 5]

Ancient Greece - Democratic Experiments 41:36 Professor Charles W. Anderson Political, Economic and Social Thought

Ancient Greece, cont. The Pre-Socratics 44:59 Professor Charles W. Anderson Political, Economic and Social Thought

The Republic, Plato's greatest work

Plato 428/427 BC – 348/347 BC), was a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens. The prized student of Socrates and the teacher of Atistotle. Plato with Socrates and Aristotle helped to lay the foundations of natural philosophy, science, and Western philosophy.

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Ancient Greece