Hellenistic Epistemology

Hellenistic Epistemology Instructor: Katerina Ierodiakonou

Description The aim of this course is an in-depth discussion of the theories of knowledge presented by the main philosophical schools of the Hellenistic period, namely the Epicureans and the Stoics, as well as the response to these theories on the part of the Academic sceptics. This will be pursued by reading a selection of texts from different authors and periods, focussing on their philosophical arguments and methods, as well as on the interpretative problems discussed in the relevant contemporary literature. We shall use the following editions: A. Long & D. N. Sedley, The Hellenistic Philosophers, vols. 1-2, Cambridge 1987 B. Inwood & L. P. Gerson, Hellenistic Philosophy. Introductory Readings, Indianapolis 1988 J. Annas & J. Barnes, Sextus Empiricus: Outlines of Scepticism, Cambridge 1994

Course goal The primary goal of the course is to help students to acquire the skill to work with ancient philosophical texts. The course will also provide guidance into research techniques and resources.

Learning outcomes By the end of the course students will be expected to have made progress in their abilities to analyse and discuss ancient philosophical texts on their own at an intermediate level. They will also be expected to broaden their knowledge of Hellenistic philosophy, and in particular of the Hellenistic theories of knowledge.

Schedule The first part of the course examines in detail the attempts of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers to show how perceptual and conceptual truths provide a secure foundation for certain knowledge about the world of the kind philosophers try to attain. Topics:  Epicurus’ notion of sense impressions and preconceptions  Epicurean views on scientific methodology  Stoic cognitive impressions  The Stoic theory of signs The second part focusses on the Adacemic sceptics’ attack on these accounts of the possibility of knowledge as it evolves in their debate especially with the Stoics. It also discusses the Pyrrhonean revival of radical skepticism. Topics:  The sceptical attack on the criteria of truth  The sceptics’ beliefs  The modes of scepticism  Ancient and modern scepticism

Requirements • regular attendance • to prepare the texts for each session and to read the relevant secondary literature • active participation in the discussions

Assessment • level of preparation 70 % • participation in the discussions 30 %