3. The Myths
This is quite a detailed chapter but not of specific interest to the course. It might be useful to keep in the back of your mind that the two creation stories in Genesis 1 & 2 are usually classified as myth. All that is said in this chapter about the nature and purpose of myth could equally be applied to the Genesis narratives.
4. The Natural Philosophers
All useful background knowledge about the pattern of thinking among Greek philosophers. Thales, Anaximander and Parmenides are interesting, but not an essential part of your study. Heraclitus is perhaps the most famous for his “stepping into the river” illustration. Also note his use of the term logos, translated “word” or “reason”. A term taken on by St John at the beginning of the fourth Gospel “In the beginning was the logos.”
With Parmenides it is just worth noticing that the issue “How can God create something out of nothing?” will be raised in your course in respect of the Genesis creation stories. You will met the idea under its Latin term creatio ex nihilo. Christians and Jews want to maintain that in respect of God, this is how God creates.
5. Democritus
Famous for being the first to use the word “atoms.” The comparison with Lego is brilliant. However Democritus is not talking about atoms as we would understand them today – but
1. He initiates an important idea.
2. He shows the importance of sense perception among some philosophers.
6. Fate
This chapter will be of greater interest to those studying for A2 and looking at the topic of freewill and determinism.
7. Socrates
A very thorough introduction to the life, background and teaching technique of this man. This chapter is one of the most comprehensive and accessible introductions to the life of this man that I have come across. (I would make notes!)
8. Athens
Really just a part of the story. Read and enjoy 
9. Plato
This chapter is so good that is worth taking detailed notes. Your text books won’t be quite so comprehensive or readable. The distinction between body and soul is made. The information about Plato’s Academy is essential. The world of ideas is a good introduction to Plato’s concept of Forms. Plato’s understanding of the soul seems to have disappeared from syllabus specifications, but knowledge of this will greatly increase your understanding of how the man ticked. Out of the darkness of the cave – this is Plato’s famous myth and it needs to be known in great detail. Read and note this carefully. It is a main section in the AS syllabus.
10. The Major’s Cabin
This is just part of the story.
That is quite a good start to the book. More later!
Hokmah 