Philosophy 25A

This course is designed as an introduction to philosophical thinking generally, and ancient philosophy in particular. Those new to philosophy will learn the landscape by reading and writing about knowledge, the nature of reality, psychology, and ethics as the ancients saw it. The ancient perspective is an excellent starting point not just for its historical role in philosophy, but for its contrast to many of our modern instincts. Those with experience in philosophy will get acquainted not just with the striking differences between ancient and modern thinkers, but with the very elements for which Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are considered the founders of Western philosophy.