Page 1Page 2Ancient Philosophy / Introduction to Philosophy-Honors Fall 1999PI 370 / PI 225 AZ, 11:00 - 11:50 MWFDr. Ted Toadvine, 411P Plumb HallPhone: 341-5566 (office); 341-5462 (dept); Email: [email protected] Hours: MWF 3:00 - 4:00; T 2:00 - 3:20; and by appointmentText Ancient Philosophy, 3rd ed., ed. by Baird & Kaufmann (Prentice Hall, 2000)Course Goals & TopicsThis course will explore in depth the Greek origins of the Western intellectual tradition. Our survey will open withthe dawn of Western philosophy among the Milesians around 600 B.C.E. and cover the most importantphilosophical thinkers from the pre-Socratic period. The core of the class will then focus on Plato and Aristotle,among the most brilliant and influential minds in western history. The last segment of the course will examinethe major schools of thought flourishing in the late Hellenistic and early Roman period, including Stoicism,Epicureanism, and Skepticism, to close with a look at Neoplatonism, the last great movement of Greek thought.In addition to providing a close examination of Ancient Greek Philosophy, this course serves as an HonorsIntroduction to Philosophy. The study of the Greeks provides an introduction to epistemology, metaphysics,ethics, and politics, as well as revealing the historical origins and genealogy of our intellectual heritage. Since thepath of western thought has followed a trajectory already mapped out in ancient Greece, the study of Greekthought is essential for an understanding of Western thought and culture up to the present.PI 225 satisfies the General Education requirement in Literature and Ideas (Basic Skills VI) for certain majors. Course Requirements and GradingYour final grade will be determined as follows:4 quizzes @ 10% each = 40%2 exams, mid-term and final @ 20% each = 40%1 1500-word research paper = 20%Quizzes will be given every 2-3 weeks, and will consist of true/false and short answer questions covering thematerial just completed. The mid-term and (non-comprehensive) final will include an “objective” (true/false andshort answer) component and an essay component. Review sheets will be distributed prior to exams. Researchpapers must be at least 1500 words (about 5 pages on most word-processors), and a word count must appearon the first page of your essay. Essays will only be accepted if typewritten, double-spaced, stapled, and proof-read. You must select your own topic, which should explore a figure or theme from the course in greater detail.A brief explanation of your proposed topic and a bibliography of sources you will consult must be submitted tome no later than 10th week for approval. You are expected to attend class and to come prepared to discussassigned material. Three absences will result in a full grade reduction. No make-up quizzes or exams will be givenwithout documented evidence of an emergency.Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes plagiarism, the paraphrase or quotation ofany published or unpublished source without full and clear acknowledgment. The university policy regardingacademic dishonesty, as explained in the Student Handbook (p. 37), will be strictly enforced. If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations or emergency evacuation,please contact me as soon as possible.Office HoursAs listed above, my office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00 to 4:00, and Tuesday, 2:00 to 3:20.I will be spending these hours in my office for the sole purpose of being available for your questions. If thesetimes are not convenient for you, and there is something you need to discuss with me, please ask to make anappointment. Messages can be left with the Social Sciences secretary (PH 411) at 341-5462. You are also welcometo address inquiries to me via Email at [email protected] ScheduleThis is an ambitious schedule subject to modification according to our progress.WEEK 1 (8/23-8/27): Introduction to CourseIntroduction, The Milesians, Three Solitary Figures (1-18)WEEK 2 (8/30-9/3): The Eleatics, the Pluralists, The Sophists (19-46)WEEK 3 (9/6-9/10): HOLIDAY: Monday, 9/6Epilogue: Two Views of Athens (53-64)QUIZ 1 Introduction to Socrates/Plato (65-70)WEEK 4 (9/13-9/17): Euthyphro, Apology (70-100)WEEK 5 (9/20-9/24): Crito, Phaedo (100-152)WEEK 6 (9/27-10/1): QUIZ 2Meno, Symposium (153-195)WEEK 7 (10/4-10/8): Symposium (195-212), Republic (272-281)CLASS CANCELED: Friday, 10/8WEEK 8 (10/11-10/15): Review, Monday 10/11MIDTERM EXAMINATION (Wednesday, 10/13)Introduction to Aristotle (304-7), On Interpretation (313-8)WEEK 9 (10/18-10/22): Physics, Metaphysics (322-358)WEEK 10 (10/25-10/29): On the Soul (358-364)Nichomachean Ethics (364-398)PAPER TOPIC PROPOSALS DUEWEEK 11 (11/1-11/5): Nichomachean Ethics continued, Politics (434-444)QUIZ 3WEEK 12 (11/8-11/12): Introduction to Hellenistic and Roman Philosophy (445-8)Epicurus (449-472), Early Stoa (473-485)WEEK 13 (11/15-11/19): Epictetus (386-499)CLASS CANCELED: Friday, 11/9WEEK 14 (11/22-11/26): Catch up, QUIZ 4HOLIDAY: Wednesday and Friday, 11/24-11/26WEEK 15 (11/29-12/3): RESEARCH PAPERS DUELucretius (500-515), Pyrrho/Sextus Empiricus (525-532)WEEK 16 (12/6-12/10): Plotinus (533-552)ReviewFINAL EXAM: Monday, 12/13, 10:10 -