CMS271
Ancient Philosophy
Subject code
CMS
Course Number
271
Department(s)
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