PHIL 101 - History of Western Philosophy: Ancient

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

a. 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? Jeff Seidman.

b. This course provides an introduction to philosophy in the ancient Mediterranean world, from the early Greek cosmologists to the Roman Stoics. Our focus is on competing views of eudaimonia (“happiness” or “flourishing”)—the ultimate goal of a human life—and how philosophy might help one achieve it. Key readings include Plato’s Socratic dialogues, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the letters of Epicurus, and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. Christopher Raymond.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS