The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization

Alain de Botton's psychobabble-free self-help course for the philosophically minded.

In God, The Bible & Humanity, a five-hour course, Bishop Robert Barron explores the nature of God, the biblical narrative, and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ through the lens of Catholic theology. Drawing from the Old and New Testaments, he examines themes such as God's transcendence and immanence, the importance of right worship, spiritual liberation, and the roles of priest, prophet, and king. The course culminates in a profound reflection on the Sermon on the Mount and the transformative power of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

In Maps of Meaning, a twelve-hour course, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson explores the foundations of human consciousness, perception, and the pursuit of meaning. Drawing from psychology, mythology, and neuroscience, he examines how we navigate the tension between order and chaos—not as passive observers, but as active participants guided by goals and values. Central to this exploration is the archetypal hero’s journey, which shows how voluntarily confronting suffering and taking responsibility can transform both the individual and society. Grounded in decades of research and personal experience, Dr. Peterson reveals how religious symbols, archetypal narratives, and social hierarchies shape both the individual mind and collective culture. Through powerful insights, the course demonstrates that proper orientation toward the highest good enables us to transform chaos into meaningful order.

In The Sermon on the Mount, an eight-hour course, Dr. Jordan Peterson explores the profound wisdom and symbolism embedded in this foundational biblical text, highlighting the transformative power of living by Christ-like principles. He offers a deep dive into key passages, such as the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing the importance of humility, self-reflection, and the pursuit of meaning when facing life’s challenges. Throughout the lectures, Dr. Peterson masterfully integrates biblical narratives, Jungian psychology, and personal stories, illustrating the enduring relevance of these teachings for navigating the complexities of the human experience.

In Aristotle: From Logic to Life, an eight-hour course, Dr. Orr explores Aristotle's comprehensive philosophical system, tracing his life, empirical methodology, and key contributions to logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and poetics. We examine his theories of substance, causation, virtue ethics, eudaimonia (human thriving), political life, and his analysis of tragedy and catharsis. The course follows his impact from medieval rediscovery and tensions with monotheism to contemporary revivals, showing why Aristotle remains a vital guide for modern philosophy.

In Ancient Philosophy, a seven-hour course, Dr. Orr takes us on an exploration of the rich history of ancient Greek thought, beginning with the foundational ideas of the Ionian and Eleatic schools and voyaging through the transformative philosophies of Plato and Aristotle. The course also examines the emergence of Stoicism and Epicureanism during the Hellenistic period, emphasizing their distinct approaches to ethics, nature, and the human condition. Throughout the course, we trace the evolution of pivotal concepts in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics that have shaped Western thought for millennia, underscoring the enduring relevance and transformative power of ancient Greek philosophy in modern times.

In Introduction to Nietzsche, an eight-hour course, Dr. Peterson embarks on a deep exploration of the life, philosophy, and enduring influence of Friedrich Nietzsche. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, we examine how Nietzsche's ideas challenged traditional moral and philosophical foundations, paving the way for new perspectives on the human condition. The course delves into key concepts such as the will to power, the critique of truth and morality, and the affirmation of life in the face of nihilism, while also exploring Nietzsche's complex relationship with religion, academia, and the works of other thinkers. Ultimately, we are invited to confront uncomfortable realities, embrace necessary struggles, and cultivate the courage and gratitude needed to realize our full potential.

In The Philosophy of Science, an eight-hour course, Dr. James Orr traces the development of science from ancient Greece through the Scientific Revolution to today. He examines how theological, institutional, and philosophical forces shaped science, while tackling key issues like the demarcation problem of science versus pseudoscience, Hume’s problem of induction, Kuhn’s theory of paradigm shifts, and the realism debate. The course also engages fascinating unresolved questions raised by cosmology, neuroscience, and quantum mechanics, ultimately arguing that scientific progress does not eliminate philosophical inquiry but rather deepens it, revealing new mysteries that demand philosophical analysis.

Alastair Sooke explores the riches and unique legacy of Greek art.

Exploring cultural and historical peculiarities of different nations around the world from the perspective of winemaking. Docuseries that reveals unusual wine destinations.

Horizon tells amazing science stories, unravels mysteries and reveals worlds you've never seen before.

Through the prism of Jeff Goldblum's always inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems. Each episode is centered around something we all love — like sneakers or ice cream — as Jeff pulls the thread on these deceptively familiar objects and unravels a wonderful world of astonishing connections, fascinating science and history, amazing people, and a whole lot of surprising big ideas and insights.

An immersive, action-packed and discovery-led series following International teams of Egyptologists as they unearth the world's richest seam of ancient archaeology - Egypt's Valley of the Kings.

Experience the wonders of our world like never before in this epic series from Jon Favreau and the producers of Planet Earth. Travel back 66 million years to when majestic dinosaurs and extraordinary creatures roamed the lands, seas, and skies.

Morgan Freeman presents his quest in order to find how most religions perceive life after death, what different civilizations thought about the act of creation and other big questions that mankind has continuously asked.

Professor Brian Cox explores the dramatic lives of the eight majestic planets/worlds that make up our solar system.

Documentary series tracing mankind's exploration of our solar system.

Bourdain travels across the globe to uncover little-known areas of the world and celebrate diverse cultures by exploring food and dining rituals. Known for his curiosity, candor, and acerbic wit, Bourdain takes viewers off the beaten path of tourist destinations – including some war-torn parts of the world – and meets with a variety of local citizens to offer a window into their lifestyles, and occasionally communes with an internationally lauded chef on his journeys.

The history of the sport of baseball in America, told through archival photos, film footage, and the words of those who contributed to the game in each era. Writers, historians, players, baseball personnel, and fans review key events and the significance of the game in America's history.

An insider's look at the engineering and scientific miracles behind the things that form the modern world.