Have you ever wanted to know more about Plato, Aristotle and the rest, but were afraid to ask? Now is your chance to acquaint yourself with the philosophies of ancient Athens – philosophies which are just as relevant today as they were over two thousand years ago.

This online course is based on Dr Mark Vernon’s highly successful real-life course at the Idler Academy which has been running since March 2011.

Dr Vernon’s six-part course begins with the pre-Socratic philosophers and goes on to relate the essential teachings of Socrates himself, Plato, Aristotle, the Epicureans, the Stoics, the Cynics and the Sceptics.

When you purchase this course, you receive access to six 20 – 30 minute video lessons with Dr Vernon, PDF worksheets featuring dates, notes, and further reading, a quiz and access to our ancient philosophy comments board where Dr Vernon will answer your queries.

Final note: who’s that in the audience? As you watch the films, you’ll see four people in the audience. They are Victoria Hull and Tom Hodgkinson, directors of the Idler Academy, in the front row, and Danny Wootton, the Idler’s ukulele teacher, and event coordinator Roberta McCaughan.

About the tutor

Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist with a private practice in London, as well as working at the Maudsley Hospital. He is also a writer, broadcaster and teacher. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include – The Idler Guide To Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All That Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How To Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark contributes regularly to publications in the UK, including the Guardian and Church Times, and also broadcasts on the BBC. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more visit, www.markvernon.com.