Hellenistic Philosophy (Ancient Skepticism)

Pre-requisites: None

Course objectives: Introducing students to ancient skepticism as one of the three dominant and opposed traditions in Hellenistic philosophy, and to the basic and most important discussions that characterized the period.

Course description: The theoretical part of the course includes a number of topics related to ancient skepticism: historical and problematic context of ancient skepticism and Hellenistic philosophy, the historical development of ancient skepticism from Pyrrho as a founding figure to Sextus Empiricus as the most important source, the differences between academic skepticism and Pyrrhonism, a thorough analysis of Sextus Empiricus' Pyrrhonism, critical review of his arguments in the light of contemporary interpretations, comparison with the doctrines of the Epicureans and the Stoics, the relevance of ancient skepticism for modern philosophy and philosophy in general. Exercises will, through students' presentations and discussions, analyze texts relevant to the topics previously covered by lectures.

Learning Outcomes: Familiarity with Hellenistic philosophy, its historical development, basic problems tackled by Stoics, Epicureans and skeptics, as well as with the specific philosophical answers to these questions.

Hellenistic Philosophy (Ancient Skepticism)

Pre-requisites: None

Course objectives: Introducing students to ancient skepticism as one of the three dominant and opposed traditions in Hellenistic philosophy, and to the basic and most important discussions that characterized the period.

Course description: The theoretical part of the course includes a number of topics related to ancient skepticism: historical and problematic context of ancient skepticism and Hellenistic philosophy, the historical development of ancient skepticism from Pyrrho as a founding figure to Sextus Empiricus as the most important source, the differences between academic skepticism and Pyrrhonism, a thorough analysis of Sextus Empiricus' Pyrrhonism, critical review of his arguments in the light of contemporary interpretations, comparison with the doctrines of the Epicureans and the Stoics, the relevance of ancient skepticism for modern philosophy and philosophy in general. Exercises will, through students' presentations and discussions, analyze texts relevant to the topics previously covered by lectures.

Learning Outcomes: Familiarity with Hellenistic philosophy, its historical development, basic problems tackled by Stoics, Epicureans and skeptics, as well as with the specific philosophical answers to these questions.