The class is an introduction to and an investigation of the origins of Western Philosophy in the Ancient Greek philosophy.   The emphasis of the course is on the philosophical issues of the nature of reality (being, becoming, etc.), knowledge and possibility of knowledge regarding reality (imitation, mathematics, forms, causes, etc.), and the right and best life for human beings (contemplation, participation, etc).

The first phase introduces the thought of the so-called Pre-Socratic thinkers – Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Empedocles, Zeno, Anaxagoras, Leucippus, Democritus, Protagoras, Gorgias.  The focus of the second, and the main, phase of the course is engagement with the philosophy of Socrates and Plato – the traditionally recognized inauguration of systematic philosophy and its themes and problems in the West.  A.N. Whitehead had famously captured this recognition in the following statement: “The safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato.”  The third phase explores Aristotle’s transformation of Plato, and his departure from him. 

Readings:

The Pre-Socratic texts are short and will be found on-line or provided by instructor.  Plato’s texts for purchase are Meno, Phaedo, and the Republic ($30 in total).  If time permits, Plato’s Timaeus will be added ($15).  The Aristotle text for purchase is the Nicomachean Ethics ($16).  Short selections from Aristotle’s Physics and Metaphysics will be found on-line or provided by the instructor.