The Philosophy of Greek Letters

About this course

The course examines how Greek philosophers, from the Pythagoreans to the Neoplatonists, interpreted letters through their shapes and sounds. It considers the pentagram, the letter E at Delphi, Theta and ideas of divine communication, contemporary Theta Healing, and the Christian use of Alpha and Omega. Teaching is based on spoken interaction, supported by presentations, hand-outs and audio-visual material. Pair and group activities, role plays and games are among the formats used to explore the alphabet and its philosophical associations.

What you'll learn

• Explain how ancient Greek philosophers connected letters with cosmic principles and philosophical ideas.
• Examine the symbolic significance attributed to selected Greek letters and forms, including the pentagram.
• Discuss links between Greek letter symbolism, spirituality and the ancient Greek understanding of the cosmos.
• Consider how ideas associated with Greek letters appear in later religious and contemporary contexts.

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to all levels and does not require knowledge of Greek or familiarity with the Greek alphabet. Learners take part in spoken interaction, pair and group activities, with homework recommended to consolidate the material.

• No Greek language knowledge is needed.
• Each letter is introduced individually.
• Participation includes pair and group work as well as spoken discussion.

Before you go

• The course is based on the tutor's own material.
• Homework is highly recommended to consolidate learning.