Classical Philosophy

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.

This Oxford Reader seeks to introduce some of the main philosophical questions raised by the Greek and Roman philosophers of classical antiquity. Selections from the writings of ancient philosophers are interspersed with Terence Irwin's incisive commentary, and sometimes with contributions from modern philosophers expounding relevant philosophical positions or discussing particular aspects of classical philosophy. The arrangement of the book is thematic, rather than chronological, allowing the reader to focus on philosophical problems and ideas, but a general introduction places philosophers and schools within their historical context. Irwin brings together contributions which shaped debates about knowledge, freedom, ethics, politics, and religious belief - debates which continue to be contested today, 2500 years from their conception.

I Introduction; II Nature, change, and cause: Natural philosophy before Plato; III Origins of scepticism: Knowledge and belief in early Greek philosophy; IV Knowledge and belief: from Socrates to Scepticism; V Knowledge, belief, and forms: Socrates and Plato; VI Form and matter: Aristotle and Stoicism; VII Knowledge and belief: Answers to Scepticism; VIII Soul and body; IX Free will; X Good, pleasure, and happiness; XI Knowledge and desire in virtue; XII The good of others; XIII Virtue and happiness; XIV Political theory; XV Philosophy and theology; Index of authors; Further Reading; General Index.

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.