| Course: | Philosophy 271-01, 02: Ancient Greek Philosophy |
| Time: | Fall 2007, 01: TR 9:45 - 11; 02: TR 12:45 - 2:00 |
| Location: | North Court 202 |
| Instructor: | Geoff Goddu x8733 or 330-2904 (absolutely no later than 10 pm!). |
| Office Hours: | Wed. 10 - 12; Thurs: 11 - 12; and by appt. |
| Texts: | Readings in Ancient Greek Philosophy, (RA), eds Cohen, Curd, Reeve |
Description:
Philosophy 271 is a survey of philosophical developments in the Ancient Greek world. For each philosopher or school studied, the specific goal is to develop in students the ability to (i) extract interesting theories and arguments from the philosopher's or school's texts; (ii) understand the theories and arguments; (iii) understand how the philosopher's or school's ideas arose within the historical context; (iv) explain clearly, concisely, and cogently the theories and arguments; and (v) evaluate the theories and arguments. In general, the goal is provide a framework in which to explore such fundamental questions as: What is the nature of reality? Is knowledge possible? What is justice and virtue?
Philosophy 271 is required for both the major and minor in philosophy. Its purpose is to give students the background necessary for more in-depth study in philosophy and the history of ideas. Philosophy 271 satisfies the Fields of Study-Historical Studies General Education Requirement.
| Requirements: | 8 Short Papers | 40% |
| Mid-term Exam | 30% | |
| Final Exam: | 30% |
Provisional Schedule: [All readings and assignments are due at the beginning of class!]
| Day | Date | Topic | Readings Due |
| I. The Beginnings | |||
| 1 | T 8/28 | Introduction: Philosophy, Science, and Cosmology | |
| 2 | R 8/30 | Thales, | GP 1-33; RA 1-10 |
| 3 | T 9/4 | Anaximander, Anaximenes | GP 1-33; RA 10-14 |
| 4 | R 9/6 | Heraclitus | GP 43-46; RA 24-34 |
| 5 | T 9/11 | Parmenides, Zeno, Melissus | GP 46- 50; RA 35-41, 59-63, 76-79; SP #1 |
| 6 | R 9/13 | Empedocles, Anaxagoras | GP 50- 56; RA 42-58 |
| 7 | T 9/18 | Leucippus, Democritus, | GP 56-60; RA 64-71; SP #2 |
| 8 | R 9/20 | The Sophists and Socrates | GP 63-80; RA 80-88 |
| II. Plato | |||
| 9 | T 9/25 | Meno | RA 203-228; SP #3 |
| 10 | R 9/27 | Meno, Euthyphro | RA 89-114, 203-228 |
| 11 | T 10/2 | Theaetetus | Theaetetus; SP #4 |
| 12 | R 10/4 | Theaetetus | Theaetetus |
| 13 | T 10/9 | Republic (I, II ) | RA 331-385; SP #5 |
| 14 | R 10/11 | Republic (III, IV) | RA 386-444 |
| Fall Break | |||
| 15 | R 10/18 | Republic (V, VI ) | RA 445-503 |
| 16 | T 10/23 | Republic (VII , VIII ) | RA 504-555; Mid-Term |
| 17 | R 10/25 | Republic (IX) | RA 556-577 |
| 18 | T 10/30 | Phaedo | GP 81- 100; RA 211-241 |
| III. Aristotle | |||
| 19 | R 11/1 | Categories | GP 122-141; RA 645-662 |
| 20 | T 11/6 | Posterior Analytics (I, 1-3; II 19) | RA 676-681, 690-693; SP #6 |
| 21 | R 11/8 | Physics (I, II ) | RA 694-719 |
| 22 | T 11/13 | Physics (I, II ) | RA 694-719 |
| 23 | R 11/15 | Mataphysics (VIII, XII 6-8) | RA 796- 807 |
| 24 | T 11/20 | Nichomachean Ethics (I) | GP 142-161; RA 832-845; SP #7 |
| Thanksgiving Break | |||
| 25 | T 11/27 | Nichomachean Ethics (II) | RA 845-852 |
| 26 | R 11/29 | Nichomachean Ethics ( III, V ) | RA 852-867 |
| 27 | T 12/4 | Nichomachean Ethics (VII) | RA 875-881; SP #8 |
| 28 | R 12/6 | Nichomachean Ethics (X) | RA 881- 891 |
01: Monday, Dec. 17, 7:00 pm
02: Thursday, Dec. 13, 2:00 pm