Author Description
Covering over 1000 years of classical philosophy from Homer to Saint Augustine, this accessible, comprehensive study details the major philosophies and philosophers of the period--the Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Neoplatonism. Though the emphasis is on questions of philosophical interest, particularly ethics, the theory of knowledge, philosophy of mind, and philosophical theology, Irwin includes discussions of the literary and historical background to classical philosophy as well as the work of other important thinkers--Greek tragedians, historians, medical writers, and early Christian writers. The most complete one-volume introduction to ancient philosophy available, the book will be an invaluable survey for students of philosophy and classics and general readers.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the development and core arguments of Western philosophical thought from the Homeric era through the emergence of Saint Augustine. Terence Irwin, a scholar of ancient philosophy, utilizes a thematic and chronological framework to analyze the evolution of ethics, epistemology, and philosophical theology. By integrating historical and literary context, the text provides a structured examination of how ancient thinkers addressed fundamental questions regarding the nature of reality and the human condition.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Comprehensive survey of Pre-Socratic, Platonic, Aristotelian, Stoic, and Epicurean schools
- Analysis of philosophical theology and the philosophy of mind
- Contextual integration of Greek tragedians, historians, and medical writers
Scope Limits
- Does not provide an exhaustive biography of every minor figure in the classical period
- Focuses primarily on philosophical arguments rather than purely political or military history
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students frequently identify this text as a foundational, comprehensive survey for those entering the study of ancient philosophy. The prose is noted for its clarity and ability to synthesize complex historical movements into a cohesive narrative for both academic and general audiences.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
1988-12-29
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192891774
ISBN-13:
9780192891778
History
Philosophy
Epistemology
Ethics
Metaphysics