Hellenistic Era.
(c.340-200 BC) Epicureanism, Academic Scepticism, and Early Stoicism.
Toward the close of the fourth century BC several schools of thought emerged that where in differing ways departures from the dominant strand of Platonism. Epicurus’ materialism, Pyrrho’s scepticism, and Zeno’s Stoicism were among the first of these new philosophies. Then, when Arcesilaus assumed leadership of the Academy, Plato’s own school turned sceptical. This course takes a close look at the general reorientation of though that took place during this time, examining its various aspects.
(c.300-200 BC) Early Hellenistic Mathematics.
Just as a shift was underway in the realm of philosophy during this time, so, too, things were changing in the realm of mathematics. The older emphasis on theory over application (geometry over mechanics) gradually began to give way to a more practical approach. After Euclid, Apollonius and Archimedes are the significant figures here. The course starts with an analysis of the Elements - in many ways a review of late Platonic mathematics - and moves to the work of these other two great figures.
(c. 320-200 BC) Early Buddhist and Hindu thought.
This course attempts to make sense of some of the dominant aspects of Asian thought that were prevalent during the Hellenistic Era. The focus here is mainly on the Dhammapada (c. 4th century BC) and the Bhagavad Gita (c. 200).