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CMS271

Ancient Philosophy

Subject code

CMS

Course Number

271

Instructor(s)

S. Stark

Course Long Title

Ancient Philosophy

Cross Listed Courses

Description

What's the best way to live? For pleasure or for virtue? For oneself or for others? By the conventions of one's time or by some timeless truths? The fascination the ancient Greeks had with these questions was inextricably linked with others: What is the nature of the universe in which we live? What is the status of our knowledge of this universe? How can we understand the processes of change we see everywhere, including in ourselves? And what is the nature of philosophy itself? The course begins with the person who most famously asked these questions, Socrates, and on the writings in which he is most vividly portrayed, the dialogues of his student Plato. Students continue to pursue these questions through the writings of Aristotle as well as the famous schools of ancient philosophy, the Stoics, the Epicureans, and the Skeptics. No prior familiarity with philosophy is assumed; this is a perfect place to begin one's study of philosophy.

Modes of Inquiry

Analysis and Critique [AC], Historical and Social Inquiry [HS]

Writing Credit

No writing credit

INDS Program Relationship

IDCM - CMS Program

GEC This Course Belongs To

-

Offering Frequency

Normally offered every year