The Story Of Philosophy Series – The Greek Philosophers Part Two

Join London ii Hosts Flick Hardingham and Irene JK to discuss and examine Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics, his life, and other views, exploring how his ideas might be relevant (or not) in today’s society and how they might serve us into the future.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) made significant and lasting contributions to nearly every aspect of human knowledge, from symbolic logic to biology to ethics and metaphysics. Though overshadowed in classical times by the work of his teacher Plato, from late antiquity through the Enlightenment, Aristotle’s surviving writings were incredibly influential. In Arabic philosophy, he was known simply as “The First Teacher”; in the West, he was “The Philosopher.”

Ever fascinated by how things work, and what makes human life and the whole society go well, Aristotle answered some big questions in a way that still feels relevant today. He was the first philosopher to seriously advance a theory of Virtue Ethics, which remains one of the three major schools of ethical thought taken most seriously by contemporary philosophers. He believed that human beings could reach Eudemonia, a state of flourishing, by attaining a specific set of virtues, including temperance, fortitude, magnanimity, and justice.

This salon is the second of an 11-month Interintellect series exploring the evolution and story of Western philosophers and their ideas through “The Story of Philosophy” by Will Durant. In subsequent months, we will explore key philosophers in turn by reading the relevant chapter of Durant’s book, as well as additional texts. Click here to find out more about this salon series and join us on this journey exploring the story of philosophy.

Our goal is to foster and facilitate meaningful conversations to try and decode the layers behind this great philosopher and his life. We will also explore and question their relevance in context to our modern lives. Are these views still effectual or archaic? How can we infuse some of the wisdom into our own lives? We will explore the story of the human behind the thoughts and turn the lens towards ourselves, our lives, and our worlds.

Active Participation

The group will be most valuable for everyone if we all set out to contribute what we can, in the spirit of vigorous and open discussion. Please approach your reading and discussion with an open but active mind, and sincere intent.

During each salon, participants will be invited to share and discuss.

• Which part of this philosopher’s life and teaching resonated with you the most?
• Which of their core beliefs do you believe are still relevant today? Which are not? Why?

We look forward to seeing you there.

Additional reading and watching :

The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant – Chapter 2 ( Aristotle and Greek Science)

School of Life’s introduction to Aristotle

What can Aristotle teach us about the routes to happiness?

The Science and Philosophy of Friendship: Lessons from Aristotle on the Art of Connection

Myles Burnyeat on Aristotle on Happiness, Philosophy Bites Podcast

Wall Street Journal: What would Aristotle do in a pandemic? (with subscription)

Psychology Today Blog: What would Aristotle do?

Time zones:

10:00 am San Francisco
1:00 pm New York
6:00 pm London
7:00 pm Berlin

Why not add the ii Calendar to your calendar?

The Zoom link will be included in your ticket.

Apply for a student discount at hello@interintellect.com.

Image Credit: Frans Francken (II) – Mankind’s Eternal Dilemma