Ancient Philosophy 11.1. M 6.05-9.25
Angelica Nuzzo. x5737
I. Course Description
The course is a survey of some of the crucial texts and moments of ancient Greek philosophy. We will investigate the “beginnings” of philosophia as “love of wisdom,” address the historical question of the distinction between “wisdom” and “love of wisdom,” look at the beginning of what has been since then called “metaphysics.” We will address problems of metaphysics, logic, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics by looking at texts of the Presocratics, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, and Epicurus.
The format of the course includes lecture, class discussion, and student presentation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the careful reading, interpretation, and discussion of texts. Objectives of the course are learning how to read, analyze, and interpret philosophical texts as well as assessing the historical transformation of philosophical ideas.
