PHIL 101 - History of Western Philosophy: Ancient

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)

a: This course provides an introduction to philosophy in the ancient Mediterranean world, from early Greek cosmology to Roman Stoicism. Our focus will be on competing views of eudaimonia, or happiness—the ultimate goal of a human life—and how philosophy helps one achieve it. Readings include Plato’s Socratic dialogues, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the letters of Epicurus, and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. Christopher Raymond.

b: In the ancient world, where knowledge of the workings of the natural world was limited, philosophy served many indispensable roles. Philosophy provided ways to inquire about the workings of the natural world, the correct manner to acquire and apply knowledge, the source and content of sociopolitical, moral, and spiritual obligations, and the purpose of a human life. Philosophy also served as a primary vehicle for educating the next generation and disseminating important ideas. This introductory survey course examines the philosophical thought of some of ancient Western thinkers, including some of the pre-Socratics, Plato, and Aristotle, as well as discuss their influence on and relation to concurrent and later Jewish, Roman, and Christian thinkers. This course includes discussions of the role of women in the ancient Western world and their contributions to philosophy. Students learn to engage with ancient texts as living texts, with connections to the modern world, as well as how to identify, dissect, and construct philosophical arguments with precision, clarity, and fairness to opponents. Sofia Ortiz-Hinojosa.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS