Reading and discussion of major works by Plato and Aristotle in the context of the philosophical thought of the ancient world. This is a course in the history of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics through late antiquity, including: the Hellenistic Schools (Stoics, Skeptics, and Epicureans), the encounter between Greek philosophy and early Christianity, and Plotinus, the founder of Neoplatonism, which became one of the backbones of medieval Christian, Islamic, and Jewish philosophy and a foundation of modern rationalism Graded work: 4 short position papers, midterm examination, term paper, final examination. Required Texts: 1. Greek Philosophy: Thales to Aristotle. Ed. Allen. Free Press. ISBN 0029004950. 2. Greek and Roman Philosophy after Aristotle. Ed. Saunders. Free Press. 0684836432. 3. Columbia History of Western Philosophy. Ed. Popkin. Columbia University Press 0-231-10129-5.