Tues. Nov. 21 Introduction to Hellenistic Philosophy
Introduction
Epicurus Biography; "Letter to Menoecceus"
; "Principal Doctrines"
" Vatican Sayings"
Thurs. Nov. 23: No class; Thanksgiving Break
Tues. Nov. 28: Stoicism's Key Tenets
The areas of philosophy (110-111, D.L. 7 38-41)
Clarification for newer edition:
Discussion Assignment: Discuss the "lazy argument" (pp. 182-3). What is it,
why is it a problem for the Stoics, how do they try to resolve it?
Thurs. Nov. 30: Skepticism
Discussion Assignment: Which of the three Hellenistic schools of philosophy was
truest to Socrates? Explain your answer. (Remember, all three schools claimed to use Socrates as their
primary inspiration and model.) You may submit this assignment late with no penalty via e-mail, WebCT, or in
the professor's mailbox in 513 Agnes Arnold; last day to submit is December 7.
Cosmology and Physics: Skim summary,
132-139, D.L. 7, 132-160
Cicero, On the Nature of the Gods
(sects. 16-80)
On Fate (186-188: check for sections B63-B67; B70;
B76-78)
B63=SVF 2.912;
B64=SVF 2.916;
B65=SVF 2.917;
B66=SVF 2.920;
B67=SVF 2.937;
B70=SVF 2.955-956; (This is the "Lazy Argument")
B76-78=SVF 2.974
On Goals (236-41)
Last day of Class
From Sextus Empiricus: The Ten Modes (325-337)