This course is an introductory survey of ancient Greek & Roman philosophy, from its beginnings in the 6th century BCE through the Hellenistic period and first centuries of the Roman empire. All the major movements and figures during this period will be covered: the Presocratics, Sophists, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cyrenaics, Cynics, Epicureans, Stoics, and Sceptics.
Many of the central problems of Western philosophy were first formulated during this period:
- What is the ultimate nature of reality? Is anything permanent, or is everything in flux? Or is everything relative to our perceptions and beliefs?
- How should I lead my life? What would be fulfilling? Pleasure? Doing what’s right? Am I free? Or are my actions determined by prior events?
- Is death something to be afraid of? Is the soul immortal?
- Is knowledge possible? Can we trust in the reliability of the senses? Or even in the power of reason itself?
Course Requirements:
All assignments and the final exam will be submitted through the course Canvas site. Assignments will be three papers (1 short, two medium) and reading questions.