PHILOS 1

Main Course

Beginnings of Western Philosophy

Description

Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Origins of Greek cosmology and philosophy, beginnings of systematic thought and scientific investigation concerning such questions as origin and nature of the material world, concept of laws of nature, possibility and extent of knowledge. Concentration on pre-Socratic philosophers, particularly Anaximander, Heraclitus, the Pythagoreans, Parmenides, Empedocles, and Greek atomists, during first two thirds of course and on Socrates and some earlier works of Plato in last few weeks. P/NP or letter grading.