This course is designed to offer students a thorough overview of ancient philosophy from Aristotle through St. Augustine. Aristotle entered Plato's Academy at the age of 17, and he remained there for almost 20 years before leaving Athens after Plato's death in 348/7 B.C. He later returned to Athens to found his own school, the Lyceum. Although Aristotle and Plato agree in principle on a number of philosophical issues, Aristotle challenges his teacher in many important ways and offers alternative metaphysical, ethical, and political theories which rank among the greatest in the Western philosophical tradition. We shall examine the development of Aristotle's metaphysics from its appearance in the Categories through its maturation in the Metaphysics; along the way we shall take a look at Aristotle's logic, "psychology," and physical theory. Finally, in light of the recent revival of interest in virtue ethics, we shall consider some of the more intriguing theoretical issues that arise in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. There are three major schools of thought which develop out of or are in response to Plato and Aristotle: Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Skepticism. Each of these schools is an interesting study in how a philosophical position can shape a particular way of life. We shall spend time reviewing the more important contributions each of these schools has made with respect to its place in the history of ideas. Finally, we shall turn to a general overview of two flavors of Neoplatonism, a somewhat curious and radical recasting of Plato's philosophy which forms the bridge between ancient and medieval thought.

The two mid-terms and final examination will be multiple choice, identification, true/false, etc.: they are tests of your absorption of information and do not call for any particular philosophical acumen. You are responsible for material introduced in class and material in the texts and handouts that is discussed in class.

The three papers are to be short: each 4-5 pp. typewritten, or the equivalent of 1,000-1,500 words.

Topics will be distributed to the class no later than a week prior to the assigned due date.

The papers are to be original work, involving philosophical criticism of ancient Greek theories and arguments on philosophical questions. You are not required to use any material beyond the assigned reading, and I prefer that you don't: these are not to be "research" papers so much as papers that express your own reflection on the philosophers and philosophical issues. If you do decide to use any outside material, whether it is assigned reading or additional material, you must provide full references.

Plagiarism and cheating: I strictly adhere to the FSU Academic Honor Code published in the Florida State University Bulletin and Student Handbook.

Gordon Rule requirement: You are required by FSU's interpretation of the so- called "Gordon Rule" to write a total of 3,000 words for this course. The combination of the three papers should satisfy this requirement.

Your grade will be determined by your grades on the examinations (each counting 1/6) and the papers (each counting 1/6). In borderline cases, class performance will be taken into account.

Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should: 1. Register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability resource Center (SDRC); 2. Bring a letter to me from the SDRC indicating you need academic accommodations. This should be done within the first week of class.

NOTE: Changes to this schedule may be necessary; if so, I will announce them in class.