Classical Philosophy

by Irwin, Terence

• ISBN13: 9780192892539
• ISBN10: 0192892533
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-02-10
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Classical Philosophy introduces students to several of the essential philosophical questions raised by the Greek and Roman philosophers of classical antiquity. Featuring a thematic--as opposed to chronological--structure, this Oxford Reader focuses on philosophical problems and ideas rather than on historical circumstances. Selections from the writings of ancient philosophers--some new translations--are interspersed with Terence Irwin's incisive commentary, and at times with contributions from modern philosophers. Topics covered include natural philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, the soul, free will, moral philosophy, political philosophy, and religious belief. A general introduction places philosophers and schools into historical context for students.

Author Biography

Terence Irwin is Susan Linn Sage Professor of Philosophy at Cornell University. His books include Plato's Ethics (1995), Aristotle's First Principles (1988), Classical Thought (1988), and editions of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and Plato's Gorgias.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(32)
Nature, Change, and Cause: Natural Philosophy before Plato	33	(32)
Origins of Scepticism: Knowledge and Belief in Early Greek Philosophy	65	(19)
Knowledge and Belief: From Socrates to Scepticism	84	(28)
Knowledge, Belief and Forms: Socrates and Plato	112	(33)
Form and Matter: Aristotle and Stoicism	145	(33)
Knowledge and Belief; Answers to Scepticism	178	(19)
Soul and Body	197	(28)
Free Will	225	(25)
Good, Pleasure, and Happiness	250	(28)
Knowledge and Desire in Virtue	278	(20)
The Good of Others	298	(29)
Virtue and Happiness	327	(17)
Political Theory	344	(31)
Philosophy and Theology	375	(33)
Further Reading	408	(6)
Source Acknowledgements	414	(1)
Index of Authors and Texts	415	(10)
General Index	425