History of Philosophy - Ancient (210-1-20)

Instructors

Baron Reed
847/467-6370
Kresge 3-421

Meeting Info

Harris Hall 107: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

In this course, we will consider the origins of Western philosophy, from the Presocratics to some of the main traditions of the Hellenistic period, Stoicism and skepticism. We will occasionally contrast these Greek and Roman views with those of other traditions in world philosophy. Readings will include Heraclitus, Parmenides, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Sextus Empiricus.

Learning Objectives

"This course aims to meet the Weinberg learning objectives for both Historical Studies and Ethical and Evaluative Thinking as follows:

Historical Studies:
• Acquire knowledge of historical phenomena and become familiar with relevant primary sources: we will consider the central philosophical developments in the Ancient Greek and Roman world, with much of our attention given to reading primary sources.
• Develop skills of historical analysis, including the means to evaluate sources: we will read these philosophical texts against the context of their intellectual and political backdrop, focusing on both their argumentative structure and their cultural impact.
• Appreciate the impact of historical developments and acquire historical perspective on the present: we will trace the development of several schools of thought as they interact with each other, while also considering some points of comparison with intellectual traditions outside of Europe.
• Express the results of historical investigation effectively and persuasively and engage in debate with other narrators and interpreters of history, both past and present: we will hone the critical reading and writing skills needed to present the central points of view, along with their argumentative underpinnings, and we will understand how later philosophers (both in and outside of these traditions) have understood the central texts.

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking:
• Attain the conceptual tools needed to recognize and understand prescriptive issues, questions and claims, and to distinguish them from descriptive issues, questions, and claims: we will examine how evaluative claims (e.g., about the nature of the good) were often used to underpin descriptive claims about the nature of the universe and the human mind.
• Identify the values presupposed by an outlook or discourse: we will examine some of the central developments in ancient philosophy, as distinctive argument forms and theories take shape.
• Recognize the complexity of many ethical issues and consider a variety of alternative resolutions and the reasons for holding them: we will look at a variety of ethical and evaluative issues (e.g., the nature of virtue), as well as their impact on broader philosophical systems.
• Appreciate the insights available in one or more intellectual or cultural traditions: we will look at the intersections and divergences between various intellectual and cultural traditions, including pro- and anti-democratic thinkers, new forms of metaphysical theorizing, and inquiry into the nature and extent of human knowledge; we will also look at how these developments appear from the point of view of some non-European philosophers.
• Reflect upon one's own answers to evaluative questions, the presuppositions informing them, and the reasons supporting them: we will develop our own interpretations of, and responses to, the ancient philosophers we read, and we will develop our own views about the issues they consider, while uncovering the ways in which our presuppositions may differ from theirs.
• Engage in respectful, rigorous, and constructive dialogue concerning evaluative issues and communicate thoughtfully and clearly about them: we will engage in a variety of individual and group activities that will foster a capacity for critical, charitable discussion, both verbally and in writing."

Class Materials (Required)

Class materials must be purchased.

Introductory Readings in Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy (Second Edition), edited by C. D. C. Reeve and Patrick Lee Miller; Hackett Publishing, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-62466-352-9

Paper copy is required.

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
SoC Humanities and Fine Arts Distro
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro

Associated Classes

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-415: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM