PHIL 210.001 – Wonder, Myth, and Reason: Introduction to Ancient Greek Science and Philosophy

Instructor: Mariska Leunissen. This course meets TR 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. in CW 103.

This course offers an examination of the high-water marks of ancient Greek philosophy, focusing on the Pre-Socratics, Plato and Aristotle. A wide range of philosophical problems will be discussed, including the nature of the world, the possibility and justification of scientific knowledge, the nature of the good life, the organization of the just city, and the immortality of the soul. Attention will be paid to how these problems unfolded in their historical context and to the methodological problems involved in the study of ancient texts. We will also discuss how the ancient treatments of philosophical problems compare to contemporary efforts. Classes will generally proceed by lecture, but there will be ample time for discussions of the texts and for in-class group assignments.