Classical Philosophy [Paperback]

Classical Philosophyintroduces 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, thisOxford Readerfocuses 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.

I. Introduction
II. Nature, Change, and Cause: Natural Philosophy before Plato
III. Origins of Skepticism: Knowledge and Belief in Early Greek Philosophy
IV. Knowledge and Belief: From Socrates to Skepticism
V. Knowledge, Belief and Forms: Socrates and Plato
VI. Form and Matter: Aristotle and Stoicism
VII. Knowledge and Belief: Answers to Skepticism
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.
Further Reading
Source Acknowledgments
Index of Authors and Texts
General Index

Excellent, creative, new structure for teaching Ancient Philosophy! Finally, someone is brave enough to break away from the old tired paradigm of chronological surveys. Chapters are well-organized into interesting, pivotal topics with easy format for creating debates. Also, Irwin is to be praised for incorporating Stoic, Epicurian, and Skeptic responses to Plato and Aristotle. Well done! --Daryl L.Hale,Western Carolina University

The best way to understand past philosophers and their preoclÃF