Wiley-Blackwell Ancient Greek Philosophy: From the Presocratics to the Hellenistic Philosophers

Ancient Greek Philosophy: From the Presocratics to the Hellenistic Philosophers presents a comprehensive introduction to the philosophers and philosophical traditions that developed in ancient Greece from 585 BC to 529 AD. Provides coverage of the Presocratics through the Hellenistic philosophersMoves beyond traditional textbooks that conclude with AristotleA uniquely balanced organization of exposition, choice excerpts and commentary, informed by classroom feedbackContextual commentary traces the development of lines of thought through the period, ideal for students new to the disciplineCan be used in conjunction with the online resources found at http://tomblackson.com/Ancient/toc.html Review “Thomas Blackson’s Ancient Greek Philosophy is an introductory-level overview of philosophy from the Presocratic through the Hellenistic periods.  It would serve as an ideal companion for a Survey of Ancient Philosophy course.  B.’s prose is lucid and accessible, his interpretations of many of the texts are compelling and interlace nicely, and he provides informative footnotes and annotations.  This is a very useful book.”  (Classical Review, 2012)“Recommended.  Lower-and upper-level undergraduates.”  (Choice, 1 May 2012) Review "An ideal introduction to the study of Ancient Greek Philosophy. The beginning student will find Blackson's narrative compelling. The more seasoned scholar will be grateful for the extensively referenced footnotes." —Gareth B. Matthews, University of Massachusetts/Amherst From the Inside Flap Ancient Greek Philosophy: From the Presocratics to the Hellenistic Philosophers presents a comprehensive introduction to the philosophers and philosophical traditions that emerged in the ancient Greek world from the period 585 bc to 100 bc. Coverage begins with the Milesian naturalists and the intellectual revolution that paved the way for the ancient philosophical tradition. Parmenides and the Pluralists are then addressed, followed by the central figure of Socrates and then Plato and Aristotle. With coverage of Epicurus and the Epicureans, the Stoics, and Academic Skeptics, we are then shown the key strands of thought that developed within the ancient philosophical tradition as the Hellenistic philosophers united in their opposition to perceived excesses of the classical tradition of Plato and Aristotle. Combining rich illustrative excerpts with rigorous scholarly analysis, Ancient Greek Philosophy is an illuminating introduction to the evolution of ideas that shaped Western philosophical tradition. From the Back Cover Ancient Greek Philosophy: From the Presocratics to the Hellenistic Philosophers presents a comprehensive introduction to the philosophers and philosophical traditions that emerged in the ancient Greek world from the period 585 bc to 100 bc. Coverage begins with the Milesian naturalists and the intellectual revolution that paved the way for the ancient philosophical tradition. Parmenides and the Pluralists are then addressed, followed by the central figure of Socrates and then Plato and Aristotle. With coverage of Epicurus and the Epicureans, the Stoics, and Academic Skeptics, we are then shown the key strands of thought that developed within the ancient philosophical tradition as the Hellenistic philosophers united in their opposition to perceived excesses of the classical tradition of Plato and Aristotle. Combining rich illustrative excerpts with rigorous scholarly analysis, Ancient Greek Philosophy is an illuminating introduction to the evolution of ideas that shaped Western philosophical tradition. About the Author Thomas A. Blackson is a member of the Philosophy Faculty in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at Arizona State University. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Ancient Greek PhilosophyFrom the Presocratics to the Hellenistic PhilosophersBy Thomas A. BlacksonJohn