PHIL 210.002 – Wonder, Myth, and Reason: Introduction to Ancient Greek Science and Philosophy

Instructor: Aaron Thieme. This course meets MTWRF1:15 – 2:45 p.m. via remote synchronous (RS) instruction.

In this course, we will explore the key philosophical views and ideas of the Presocratics, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. We will examine these philosophers’ views on (among other things) the nature of the world, the nature of knowledge, human virtue, the good life, and the just city-state. To do so, we will survey many of their central works, including selections from Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics.

The first main course objective is to become familiar with some of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers and their views. The second main course objective is to enhance one’s ability to critically evaluate, interpret, and defend a philosophical position, both verbally and in writing.

Required Text: Cohen, Curd, and Reeve, Readings in Ancient Greek Philosophy, 5th edition. (Earlier editions should not be purchased, because they have different contents.)