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 Greeks saw it. Those with experience in philosophy will see that the ancient perspective is an excellent starting point not just for its historical role in philosophy, but also for its contrast to many of our modern instincts and at the same time for its relevance to ongoing philosophical debates. We will get acquainted with the striking differences between ancient and modern thinkers, and with the very elements for which Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are considered the founders of Western philosophy.