Description
Book SynopsisAncient Greek Philosophy: From the Presocratics to the Hellenistic Philosophers presents a comprehensive introduction to the philosophers and philosophical traditions that developed in ancient Greece from 585 BC to 529 AD.
- Provides coverage of the Presocratics through the Hellenistic philosophers
- Moves beyond traditional textbooks that conclude with Aristotle
- A uniquely balanced organization of exposition, choice excerpts and commentary, informed by classroom feedback
- Contextual commentary traces the development of lines of thought through the period, ideal for students new to the discipline
- Can be used in conjunction with the online resources found at http://tomblackson.com/Ancient/toc.html
Trade Review“Thomas Blackson’s Ancient Greek Philosophy is an introductory-level overview of philosophy from the Presocratic through the Hellenistic periods. It would serve as an ideal companion for a Survey of Ancient Philosophy course. B.’s prose is lucid and accessible, his interpretations of many of the texts are compelling and interlace nicely, and he provides informative footnotes and annotations. This is a very useful book.” (Classical Review, 2012)
“Recommended. Lower-and upper-level undergraduates.” (Choice, 1 May 2012)
Table of ContentsPreface.
Acknowledgments.
Text Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
Part I: The Presocratics.
Timeline.
1. The Milesian Revolution.
1.1. The Milesians Turn to Nature.
1.2. Parmenides.
1.3. A Defense of the Inquiry into Nature.
Further Reading for Part I.
Part II: Socrates.
Timeline.
2. The Good Life.
2.1. Definitions.
2.2. The Love of Wisdom.
2.3. Intellectualism.
3. Against the Sophists.
3.1. The Sophists Come to Athens.
3.2. The Sophist Sells Teachings for the Soul.
3.3. Rhetoric is Blind to the Good.
Further Reading for Part II.
Part III: Plato.
4. Three Platonic Theories.
4.1. The Theory of Recollection.
4.2. The Theory of Forms.
4.2. The Tripartite Theory of the Soul.
5. Justice and its Reward.
5.1. The Opening Conversation.
5.2. Justice.
5.3. The Just Life is Better . ..
Further Reading for Part III.
Part IV: Aristotle.
6. Second Philosophy.
6.1. Natural Bodies and their Specific Behaviors.
6.2. Natures are Forms.
6.3. Teleology in Nature.
7. Psychology.
7.1. The Soul is the Form of the Body.
7.2. Induction.
7.3. Becoming like the Unmovable First Mover.
8. First Philosophy.
8.1. The Science of Being.
8.2. Substances are Forms.
8.3. No Universal is a Substance.
9. Ethics..
9.1. The Function Argument.
9.2. Theoretical Wisdom.
9.3. Practical Wisdom.
Further Reading for Part IV.
Part V: Hellenistic Philosophers.
Timeline.
10. Reaction to the Classical Tradition.
10.1. Epicureanism.
10.2. Stoicism.
10.3. Skepticism.
Further Reading for Part V.
References.
Index of Passages.
General Index.
