PHIL 101 - History of Western Philosophy: Ancient

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)

101a: The course concentrates on the ethical and metaphysical thought of Plato and Aristotle. We consider their answers to two questions that both see as intimately connected: What is a good life for a human being? And: what is it for something to exist? Jeffrey Seidman.

101b: This course provides an introduction to Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics to the Stoics of the Roman Empire, focusing on ancient views of eudaimonia, or happiness–the ultimate goal of a human life. Readings include Plato’s Socratic dialogues, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the letters of Epicurus, and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. Christopher Raymond.

Two 75-minute periods.