JANET (PLATO’S MENO IN GREEK)
I have to say how much I have enjoyed the journey through the Meno and how interesting the classes have been, not only with your excellent knowledge and teaching style but also being in the same class with all those brilliant people!
I am looking forward to Antigone as well as the other sessions.
Michael Gray, Berrima NSW (Various)
I have completed a number of Martin Black’s courses in Ancient Greek and Philosophy, online via Zoom, over the last three years. Martin has a deep knowledge of both subjects and teaches them with enthusiasm and conviction and in an accessible and friendly way. His classes show how understanding the language leads to a deeper understanding of the philosophy. The classes are well-paced and small enough for participants to interact with him and with each other. Martin uses the Zoom platform very effectively and is also available offline to answer questions and help with difficulties. I recommend Martin and his courses without reservation.
ANONYMOUS (ANCIENT GREEK AND THE FIRST PHILOSOPHERS)
Re. the course that finished this evening: I really appreciate the effort you put into teaching and the courses you are developing. What I like about your teaching is both the depth and breadth of what it is that you are addressing in each session. The breadth I was just beginning to grasp, but the depth will take some time to come to grips with.
PETER (ANCIENT GREEK AND THE FIRST PHILOSOPHERS)
I am impressed with the depth and breadth of Dr Martin Black's knowledge of ancient Greek works from the Presocratics through to Plato, Aristotle and others - both in ancient Greek language and in English translations. I really like his teaching style and his willingness to hear and respond to questions from those attending his courses. His familiarity with Heidegger's thinking of the ancient Greek thinkers is impressive too as well as his ability to compare and contrast ancient Greek and modern thinkers.
ANONYMOUS (King Lear; Heidegger on Plato; Socrates Apology)
I am absolutely loving my Philosophy classes! I have just enrolled in my fourth.
I find it just incredible how truths spoken up to 2500 years ago seem to so clearly describe the modern world.
I always thought philosophy was an optional extra in education, but now I am beginning to realise it is the foundation for everything.
ANONYMOUS ('Philosophy and Politics, or Truth and Fiction: Plato’s Apology of Socrates and Mill’s On Liberty’)
I would like to thank you for allowing me to join your group.
I found your views refreshing and hopeful. I am pleased someone says out loud what some of us only think!!!
My above comment alone contributes to this topic like nothing else. The desire to speak truth versus the fear of reprimand and isolation! So, for me, to be in a group whereby people voice their view freely is an honour.
Christopher Coney ('How does a human being becomg excellent': Aristotle on Education)
Martin Black is a fine teacher. He is particularly fine in the exposition and interpretation of classical Greek texts, for he knows Greek well, and his presentations of the works are sensitive to the original context in which they were written, the 2,400 year history since that time, the current circumstances in which we find ourselves, and most importantly, to the perennial questions that are addressed by the Greek thinkers.
Do yourself a philosophical favour by taking a course at the ISP.
Haddon GElai ('How does a human being becomg excellent': Aristotle on Education)
I’ve really enjoyed this course - thought provoking, accessible and well structured. Thank you, Martin! Looking forward to learning more.
Anonymous
I had the honor of attending reading groups as well as various conferences and meetings hosted by Martin whose commitment and dedication to the field of philosophy has served as a source of inspiration. Through his deliberate approach of reading and analyzing texts, Martin reveals the depth of knowledge that he has acquired in pursuit of studying the classics. Martin thoughtfully highlights the relevance of the ancients, and Martin’s passion for philosophy is a complement to his gift of teaching.
Matthew Dean (Suffolk university courses)
I had the pleasure to study ancient Greek with Dr. Martin Black under whose patient guidance I came to read the likes of Plato and Euripides in their own words. Dr. Black encouraged me and other students to contend with these words, not only by translating them, but also by thinking through them. Dr. Black has an amazing knowledge of Greek and a deep understanding of its literature and philosophy. I cannot recommend his tutelage enough to any that consider life's grandest questions. You will be rewarded for your efforts.
RACHELLE (Aristotle’s ethics, 2020)
Thank you so much to the entire team at the school of Independent Philosophy for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us. I left each class with contemplation, and so many of the ideas we explored in class have already found their way into my daily life.
ML
I had the honor of attending reading groups as well as various conferences and meetings hosted by Martin whose commitment and dedication to the field of philosophy has served as a source of inspiration. Through his deliberate approach of reading and analyzing texts, Martin reveals the depth of knowledge that he has acquired in pursuit of studying the classics. Martin thoughtfully highlights the relevance of the ancients, and Martin’s passion for philosophy is a complement to his gift of teaching.
Anabel
I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to take Ancient Greek and Political Theory courses, as well as attend weekly reading seminars, with Dr. Martin Black. He is an extremely knowledgeable, passionate and inspirational teacher who takes immense care to ensure his students are engaged and understanding of very difficult texts and theories. His application of ancient thought to modern concepts highlights the relevance of these texts in a way that is often missed. I cannot recommend his courses enough. Personally, they inspired me to pursue graduate study in the field and have greatly impacted my literary and philosophic interests.