Introduction to Classical Philosophy (Student Guide)

The oft-asked question about philosophy is: “What am I going to do with this?” That thought should be rejected outright. Philosophy is not something we use, but something that helps us fulfill our potential. We are rational beings, and knowing is in itself a worthy goal. In the process of studying philosophy, we will wrestle with such questions as “What is the cause of all things?” “How can we know anything?” and “How ought we act?” The answers to these questions will not only serve to provide something known, but should also act as a north star for students throughout their entire lives. This latter goal will define how this course is taught, for if the end conclusions are not strongly and logically backed by thorough work and discussion on the part of the student, they will not stand the test of a lifetime.

The course covers a couple of complete books and shorter selections from others. Other than A History of Philosophy, Volume I, all texts are primary sources. As such, this is a difficult course. It is not recommended prior to 11th grade. This course could be called a “history of Philosophy,” as it follows the train of human thought through from the ancient Greeks to the high Middle Ages. The intent, however, is not just that the student know what those people thought and said, but that they wrestle with the ideas themselves. In this sense, students will really be doing philosophy.