PHIL 210.001 – Ancient Greek Philosophy

Instructor: Kyle Driggers. This course meets MWF 9:05 – 9:55 a.m. in CW 105.

This course will involve careful study of the philosophical world-views of various philosophers from Ancient Greece. Our primary focus will be on the metaphysical and epistemological views of these philosophers: topics will include the nature of substance and form, the possibility of change, the difference between knowledge and opinion, etc.

In the first part of the course, we will discuss the Pre-socratic philosophers including Thales, Democritus, Zeno of Elea, Parmenides, Anaxagoras, Anaximander, Diogenes and others. Topics discussed will include the nature of substance, the reality of change, the nature of space and time, and other metaphysical topics.

In the second part, our main focus will be on Plato. We will discuss selections from his Euthyphro, Meno, and Symposium as well as selections from his most famous work, The Republic. Topics discussed will include the nature of knowledge, the theory of the Forms, and the relationship between goodness and the will of the gods.

In the final part, our main focus will be on Aristotle. We will discuss selections from his Categories, Metaphysics, De Anima, and On Interpretation. Topics discussed will include hylomorphism, the four kinds of causation, and fatalism.

Grades will be determined by three take-home written exams and class participation. If you have any questions about the course, please email me.