The Great Philosophers and Us | Summer School course

This course takes you back to the birthplace of western philosophy and the basis for our inner growth as individuals, as communities and a civilisation that continues to question its values and our very being ever since. Our small group will explore these origins of thought, the masterpieces of literature and drama that reach far beyond their initial time and place and let them speak again to us today.

From A$3,200AUD

The Great Philosophers and Us | Summer School course itinerary

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The Great Philosophers and Us

The greatest of ancient Greek philosophy retains an immediacy and strong presence in our daily life today. At the core of the way we think and discuss matters with each other sit Socrates and his successors, Plato and Aristotle.

Across two and a half millennia since Socrates walked and talked in Athens, western philosophy has continued to entertain the same big questions that he asked as long ago as 440BCE. And yet astonishingly, Socrates never wrote down a word for us to read.

Through his followers, Plato, Aristotle and others, they provided the philosophic framework by which we think and speak and helped understand ourselves and the way we feel as human beings.

This course takes you back to the birthplace of western philosophy and the basis for our intellectual and emotional inner growth as individuals, as communities and as a civilization that has continued to question its values and our very being.

We shall explore these origins of thought, the masterpieces of literature and drama that reach far beyond their initial time and place and let them speak again to us today just as freshly as they did 2500 years ago.

Summer School classes for mature and senior travellers

Odyssey offers a collection of week-long learning programs offered each January in Hobart, Tasmania. Courses are refreshed for each year’s programs. Classes are limited to 15 people.

Over the last twenty-five years, Odyssey’s small group Summer School Program has given countless travellers an unforgettable educational and travel experience. Each summer, we prepare and offer fun and challenging special interest courses and programs designed to give travellers the options and opportunity to learn about history, religion, Australian culture, and the arts, among many other topics. These courses are designed in such a way that enthusiasts can deepen their knowledge of a particular topic or be initiated into new understandings on a subject.

These programs offered are tailor-made for mature-aged and senior travellers who are eager to explore in-depth a particular topic. Summer school learning programs for mature and senior travellers who are and remain curious about the world. Read more about our philosophy of the Odyssey Summer Schools.

Itinerary

7 days

Day 1: Hobart

The Summer school program begins with a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 2: Hobart

THE WISDOM OF THE AGES

Homer: The Iliad and The Odyssey

We begin by examining the great epic poems written in verse to be sung about the men, women and gods that populated ancient Greek myth and history. They laid down the values, ethics and beliefs that set the scene and the foundations of philosophy.

Day 3: Hobart

INTO THE LIGHT – THE ENIGMA OF THE DARK AGES

The Sophists

We examine the elements of the Dark Ages that produced no writing for hundreds of years yet led to new thinking, new freedoms and the gradual appearance of early philosophical thinking when the oral tradition takes hold.

Day 4: Hobart

PLAYERS AND THINKERS – A THEATRE OF THOUGHT

Socrates and the Dramatists

We examine the wave of intellectual ferment in Athens 500-400BCE that resulted in the opening and celebration of the human mind in our culture with Socrates, his contemporaries followed by Plato as the key figures.

Day 5: Hobart

THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH – THE SOCRATIC METHOD

Plato, Aristotle, Xenophon and others

We examine those key philosophers who followed Socrates and through their written testaments and further enquiry create the formative pillars of wisdom of western civilization that remain at the core of our being.

Day 6: Hobart

BACK TO THE FUTURE – THE UNEXAMINED LIFE

You, Me, Bertrand the History of Western Philosophy

We examine the enduring impact and longevity of the philosophic roots of our civilization in its various chapters, greatest followers and ongoing relevance.

In the evening we conclude our course with a farewell dinner at the Customs House Hotel Restaurant, starting at 6:30pm.

Day 7: Hobart

The course will end after breakfast.

Includes / Excludes

What’s included in our Tour

  • 6 nights in full en suite accommodation
  • 6 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
  • Lectures and handouts as indicated.
  • Services of a study leader and lecturers.
  • Complimentary wifi.

What’s not included in our Tour

  • Comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Costs of a personal nature.
Level 1 - Introductory to Moderate

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, moderate walking on uneven surfaces between 3 - 5 kilometers per day. Suitable for most fitness levels

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Make it a private tour

If you have a group of 6 friends or more you can book this tour as a private departure, with all the benefits of our small group tours.
Get in touch to find out more.

Easing your journey

Crossing international borders with restrictions

The list of requirements to travel internationally has changed and will continue to change for several years. Odyssey is here to assist you in managing your way through these requirements:

Pre-departure checklist for travelling across International borders.
Support over email or phone available 24/7 for any questions you have.

For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page.

Book With Confidence

If less than 30 days before your tour starts you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Odyssey Traveller will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs.

See Terms and conditions for details.

Peace of Mind Travel

The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.

See Peace of Mind Travel for details.

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