All readings are in Hellenistic Philosophy, ed. Inwood and Gerson.

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)
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)

Clarification for newer edition:
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)

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
Last day of Class
From Sextus Empiricus: The Ten Modes (325-337)

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.