Ancient Philosophy: A Contemporary Introduction

In this substantially revised and retitled update of his Classical Philosophy(2003), Christopher Shields expands his coverage to include the Hellenistic era, and now offers an introduction to more than 1000 years of ancient philosophy. From Thales and other Pre-Socratics through Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and on to Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Scepticism, Ancient Philosophytraces the important connections between these periods and individuals without losing sight of the novelties and dynamics unique to each. It offers a vivid picture of the ideas that flourished at philosophy'¬"s long birth and considers their relevance, both to the historical development of the Western philosophical tradition, and to philosophy today. Ancient Philosophyis presented so that each philosophical position receives: (1) a brief introduction, (2) a sympathetic review of its principal motivations and primary supporting arguments, and (3) a short assessment, inviting readers to evaluate its plausibility. The result is a book that brings the ancient arguments to life, making the introduction truly contemporary. It will serve as both a first stop and a well visited resource for any student of the subject.