Dr. Menahem Luz
University of Haifa
Lectures 1998-1999
- lectures semestre 1
- lectures semestre 2
- return to menu
Lecture Menu
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
for details on lectures (syllabus, requirements, bibliographies, class-rooms etc.), press one of the following:
- Hist. of Greek Philosophy (pt 1)
(lecture B.A.; 107.1111a1);
English summary of the lectures in this course on this site
- Aristotle's Metaphysics (seminar B.A.; 107.3402.a 1)
- Religious Speculation in Greek Mythology (proseminar B.A.; History Dept.; 108.2113.a 1)
Please note that the class Rationalism and Medicine has been cancelled this year. Instead there is offered a class on Neoplatonism.
Semestre 2 menu
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Lecture Menu
Semestre 2 (1999)
for details on lectures (syllabus, requirements, bibliographies, class-rooms etc.), press of one of the following:
- Hist. of Greek Philosophy (pt 2) (lecture B.A.; 107.1151.b 1)
- Neoplatonic Philosophy (seminar M.A.; 107.4204.b 1 )
- Atomism and Hedonism (seminar B.A.; 107.3505.b 1)
Semestre 1 menu
return to top
Details on Lectures/Seminars
schedules, contents, bibliography, requirements
All lectures/seminars are given in Hebrew
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
Philosophy Classes
-
The History of Greek Philosophy (part 1) (107.1111.a1 )
lecture (first year); Wednesday 12.15-13.45. room 711
This semestre we will discuss the development of Greek philosophy from its beginning with Thales of Miletus (c. 580 B.C.E.) down to the early dialogues of Plato (427-347 B.C.E.). The course revolves around discussion of the fragments and works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
- The cosmological and physical theories of the thinkers who preceded Socrates (the Pre-Socratic philosophers);
- The social and moral problems raised by Socrates' contemporaries, the Sophists;
- The dialectic of Socrates and his criticism of the Sophists;
- The ethical and cognitive problems discussed by Plato in his early dialogues.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
- J. Barnes, Early Greek Philosophy (Penguin, 1987) along with
-
Aristotle's Metaphysics book 1 (R. Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics (Ann Arbor)
-
W.H.D. Rouse, Great Dialogues of Plato (Mentor): Protagoras, Apology, Charmides, Euthyphro, Meno
The following works are also useful
- W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Greek Philosophy vol 1-4 (Cambridge)
- Gregory Vlastos Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosoher (Cambridge)
- Charles H. Kahn Plato and the Socratic Dialogue (Cambridge)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
Further information is found in the class syllabus (in Hebrew)
~~~~
Registered students in the class are welcome to access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "History of Greek Philosophy pt. 1"
To access the index of contents, press here
return to top
return to lecture menu
Philosophy Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
- Aristotle's Metaphysics
seminar (2nd/3rd year) (107.3402.a 1); Monday 18.00-19.30 room 1919 (Eshkol floor 19)
In the Metaphysics, Aristotle examines the meaning of being, as well as the role of a primary science that is prior to all others. Traditionally, the Metaphysics is divided into 13 'books', each of which is numbered by a letter of the Greek alphabet. These 'books' are of paramount importance for understanding Jewish, Christian and Islamic philosophy during the medieval period. In the present course we will discuss:
- Book iii (Beta): which questions ought metaphysics to raise first?
- Book iv (Gamma): the meaning and principle of being.
- Book v (Delta): meanings of homonymous concepts.
- Book vi (Epsilon): what is the science of being?
- Book vii (Zeta): the meaning and role of substance
- Book xii (Lambda): on the unmoved mover.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
Books iii-viii, xi of the Metaphysics, some of it in a new ongoing Hebrew trans. by myself. The English speaking students may use: Richard Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics, Anne Arbor, 1952
The following works are also useful
- William Rober Wians Aristotle's Philosophical Development
- G.E.R. Lloyd Arisotle: The Growth and Structure of his Thought Cambridge)
-
W.D. Ross Aristotle Metaphysics I (Oxford)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, mid-term assignment presented in class, end of term paper.
For admission to the course, students must have already participitated in a previous course on Plato.
return to top
return to lecture menu
History Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
- Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek Mythology
proseminar (2nd/3rd year); (108.2113.a1)
- Monday 14.15-15.45 room 607;
- Wednesday 18.00-19.30 room 704.
Around the end of the eighth century B.C.E., there worked in Greece a poet who created one of the earliest cosmological and theological theories in the whole of Europe. This man was Hesiod and his poems present us with the world-view of archaic man. In ancient times, he was considered the contemporary of Homer and his works were thought equal to the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The myths and fables that he told influenced western thought and art throughout the centuries - fables like the Myth of Pandora, Prometheus, the Ages
of Man etc.
In the course we will read - his poem The Theogony (Birth of the Gods) that combines Greek cosmological speculation with the creation myths of the east
-
and his poem Works and Days in which Hesiod teaches work-ethic and the social mores.
The class will meet twice a week, in which we shall read and analyse the works of Hesiod in Hebrew translation (see bibliography below). Students should note that there will be fequent use of visual media.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
Apostolos N. Athanassakis Hesiod Theogony Works and Days Shield(Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983)
The following works are also useful
-
Oswyn Murray Early Greece (Harvard)
- Lowell Edmunds Approaches to Greek Myth (John Hopkins)
- Moses I. Finley, Early Greece: The Bronze and Archaic Ages (London 1977)
- M.L. West Hesiod Theogony (Oxford)
- M.L. West Hesiod Works and Days (Oxford)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, final exam and class presentation (or end of term paper)
~~~~
You may access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek
Mythology" if you are a registered students in the class.
For the period of the strike, the password is 'hesiod'. To access by means of this password, press here
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
-
History of Greek Philosophy (part 2)
lecture (1st year); 107.1151.b 1
meets twice a week
- Sunday 14.00-15.30 -- room to be announced;
- Tuesday 14.00-15.30 -- room to be announced.
The class will discuss the development of Plato's middle and later philosophy, as well as the principles of Aristotle's thought. The course is based on discussions and readings from the works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
- The development of Plato's ontological and psychological theory (Meno, Phaedo, Symposium, Phaedrus)
- Plato's political and social theory (Republic)
- his self-criticism and discussions of logical concepts (Parmenides, Sophist)
- Aristotle's criticism of the Plato's theory of Forms (Metaphysics i)
- Aristotle's logical and psychological theory (Categories, On the Soul)
- his physical and metaphysical theory (Physics, Metaphysics)
- his ehtical and literary theory (Nicomachean Ethics, Poetics).
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use
- For Plato
- R. Hackforth, Plato's Phaedo (Cambridge);
- W.H.D. Rouse, Great Dialogues of Plato (Mentor): Symposium, Republic;
- R. Hackforth, Plato's Phaedrus (Cambridge);
- F.M. Cornford, Plato and Parmenides (London);
- F.M. Cornford, Plato's Theory of Knowledge (London):- Sophist;
- H.D.P. Lee, Plato Timaeus (Penguin)
the following works are also useful:- W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Greek Philosophy vol 4-5 (Cambridge)
- For Aristotle
- Categories cap. 1-5;
- Topics 1-3;
- Metaphysics i, xii;
- de Anima
book ii;
- Ethics books 1-2;
- Poetics book 1
the following works are also useful:- G.E.R. Lloyd, Aristotle (Cambridge)
~~~~Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class semestre 2 (1999)
Neoplatonic Philosophy seminar (M.A.);
107.4204.b 1
Monday 16.15-17.45 to be announced.
Between the years 204-270, there lived the last of the great ancient philosophers - this
was Plotinus, an Egypitan who taught at Rome.This philosopher created a system that
was ostensibly a revision of Plato (hence called Neoplatonism) but was really a combination
of the philosophy of Plato with that of Aristotle - a philosophy of the absolute with that of
Aristotelian empiricism. Plotinus' teaching shows how
the physical world is a phenomenal reflection of our upper mind, which is itself
a reflection of the Mind of the Universe, that is a reflection of the absolute world.
~~~~
The course is based on a reading of the 'Enneads' of Plotinus in Hebrew translation.
We will also examine briefly the development of Neoplatonic thought from
ancient times to modern.
Entrance Requirements Previous participation in a course on Plato and Aristotle.
~~~~
Bibliography:
For Hebrew text used in class, see Hebrew Menu
English readers may use the following:
Plotinus the Enneads, trans. S. MacKenna
the following works are also useful:
J.M. Rist, Plotinus The Road to Reality
R.T. Wallis, Neoplatonism
Course requirements: End of term paper
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
Atomism and Hedonism
seminar (B.A.); (107.3505.b 1)
Tuesday 10.15-11.45 room to be announced
Towards the end of the fourth century B.C., there worked at Athens a philosopher who was desparaged by religion but admired by men of reason. This was Epicurus whose philosophy taught that man was controled by two sole urges: the urge to avoid pain and the urge to pursue pleasure.
To avoid mental pain, we must understand the logic of the cosmos. If we grasp that our soul is a mere combination fo atoms and that there is no sensation after death, there will be no dread of cessation or of punishments in Hell. If we grap that the cosmos is but a chance collection of atoms, then we will have no fear of super-natural causes.
Only thus can man succeed in ridding himself of superstition - as the belief in omnipotent powers or divine providence. In this way we can avoid pain and mental distress and enjoy the mind's true pleasures.
In the course, we shall discuss Epicurus' Letters, a poem on the Nature of the Universe by Lucretius, and Cicero's discussion of the merits of Epicureanism.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew texts used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use any translation of:
- Cicero The Nature of the Gods (= de Natura Deorum)
- Lucretius The Nature of the Universe (= de Rerum Natura)
- also for discussion:
- A.A. Long-D.N. Sedley, The Hellenistic Philosophers (Cambridge), vol 1 or
- J.L. Saunders, Greek and Roman Philosophy after Aristotle (N.Y.)
~~~~
Course requirements: end of term paper
return to top
return to lecture list
for details on lectures (syllabus, requirements, bibliographies, class-rooms etc.), press one of the following:
- Hist. of Greek Philosophy (pt 1)
(lecture B.A.; 107.1111a1);
English summary of the lectures in this course on this site
- Aristotle's Metaphysics (seminar B.A.; 107.3402.a 1)
- Religious Speculation in Greek Mythology (proseminar B.A.; History Dept.; 108.2113.a 1)
Please note that the class Rationalism and Medicine has been cancelled this year. Instead there is offered a class on Neoplatonism.
Semestre 2 menu
return to top
Lecture Menu
Semestre 2 (1999)
for details on lectures (syllabus, requirements, bibliographies, class-rooms etc.), press of one of the following:
- Hist. of Greek Philosophy (pt 2) (lecture B.A.; 107.1151.b 1)
- Neoplatonic Philosophy (seminar M.A.; 107.4204.b 1 )
- Atomism and Hedonism (seminar B.A.; 107.3505.b 1)
Semestre 1 menu
return to top
Details on Lectures/Seminars
schedules, contents, bibliography, requirements
All lectures/seminars are given in Hebrew
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
Philosophy Classes
-
The History of Greek Philosophy (part 1) (107.1111.a1 )
lecture (first year); Wednesday 12.15-13.45. room 711
This semestre we will discuss the development of Greek philosophy from its beginning with Thales of Miletus (c. 580 B.C.E.) down to the early dialogues of Plato (427-347 B.C.E.). The course revolves around discussion of the fragments and works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
- The cosmological and physical theories of the thinkers who preceded Socrates (the Pre-Socratic philosophers);
- The social and moral problems raised by Socrates' contemporaries, the Sophists;
- The dialectic of Socrates and his criticism of the Sophists;
- The ethical and cognitive problems discussed by Plato in his early dialogues.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
- J. Barnes, Early Greek Philosophy (Penguin, 1987) along with
-
Aristotle's Metaphysics book 1 (R. Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics (Ann Arbor)
-
W.H.D. Rouse, Great Dialogues of Plato (Mentor): Protagoras, Apology, Charmides, Euthyphro, Meno
The following works are also useful
- W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Greek Philosophy vol 1-4 (Cambridge)
- Gregory Vlastos Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosoher (Cambridge)
- Charles H. Kahn Plato and the Socratic Dialogue (Cambridge)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
Further information is found in the class syllabus (in Hebrew)
~~~~
Registered students in the class are welcome to access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "History of Greek Philosophy pt. 1"
To access the index of contents, press here
return to top
return to lecture menu
Philosophy Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
- Aristotle's Metaphysics
seminar (2nd/3rd year) (107.3402.a 1); Monday 18.00-19.30 room 1919 (Eshkol floor 19)
In the Metaphysics, Aristotle examines the meaning of being, as well as the role of a primary science that is prior to all others. Traditionally, the Metaphysics is divided into 13 'books', each of which is numbered by a letter of the Greek alphabet. These 'books' are of paramount importance for understanding Jewish, Christian and Islamic philosophy during the medieval period. In the present course we will discuss:
- Book iii (Beta): which questions ought metaphysics to raise first?
- Book iv (Gamma): the meaning and principle of being.
- Book v (Delta): meanings of homonymous concepts.
- Book vi (Epsilon): what is the science of being?
- Book vii (Zeta): the meaning and role of substance
- Book xii (Lambda): on the unmoved mover.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
Books iii-viii, xi of the Metaphysics, some of it in a new ongoing Hebrew trans. by myself. The English speaking students may use: Richard Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics, Anne Arbor, 1952
The following works are also useful
- William Rober Wians Aristotle's Philosophical Development
- G.E.R. Lloyd Arisotle: The Growth and Structure of his Thought Cambridge)
-
W.D. Ross Aristotle Metaphysics I (Oxford)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, mid-term assignment presented in class, end of term paper.
For admission to the course, students must have already participitated in a previous course on Plato.
return to top
return to lecture menu
History Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
- Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek Mythology
proseminar (2nd/3rd year); (108.2113.a1)
- Monday 14.15-15.45 room 607;
- Wednesday 18.00-19.30 room 704.
Around the end of the eighth century B.C.E., there worked in Greece a poet who created one of the earliest cosmological and theological theories in the whole of Europe. This man was Hesiod and his poems present us with the world-view of archaic man. In ancient times, he was considered the contemporary of Homer and his works were thought equal to the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The myths and fables that he told influenced western thought and art throughout the centuries - fables like the Myth of Pandora, Prometheus, the Ages
of Man etc.
In the course we will read - his poem The Theogony (Birth of the Gods) that combines Greek cosmological speculation with the creation myths of the east
-
and his poem Works and Days in which Hesiod teaches work-ethic and the social mores.
The class will meet twice a week, in which we shall read and analyse the works of Hesiod in Hebrew translation (see bibliography below). Students should note that there will be fequent use of visual media.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
Apostolos N. Athanassakis Hesiod Theogony Works and Days Shield(Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983)
The following works are also useful
-
Oswyn Murray Early Greece (Harvard)
- Lowell Edmunds Approaches to Greek Myth (John Hopkins)
- Moses I. Finley, Early Greece: The Bronze and Archaic Ages (London 1977)
- M.L. West Hesiod Theogony (Oxford)
- M.L. West Hesiod Works and Days (Oxford)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, final exam and class presentation (or end of term paper)
~~~~
You may access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek
Mythology" if you are a registered students in the class.
For the period of the strike, the password is 'hesiod'. To access by means of this password, press here
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
-
History of Greek Philosophy (part 2)
lecture (1st year); 107.1151.b 1
meets twice a week
- Sunday 14.00-15.30 -- room to be announced;
- Tuesday 14.00-15.30 -- room to be announced.
The class will discuss the development of Plato's middle and later philosophy, as well as the principles of Aristotle's thought. The course is based on discussions and readings from the works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
- The development of Plato's ontological and psychological theory (Meno, Phaedo, Symposium, Phaedrus)
- Plato's political and social theory (Republic)
- his self-criticism and discussions of logical concepts (Parmenides, Sophist)
- Aristotle's criticism of the Plato's theory of Forms (Metaphysics i)
- Aristotle's logical and psychological theory (Categories, On the Soul)
- his physical and metaphysical theory (Physics, Metaphysics)
- his ehtical and literary theory (Nicomachean Ethics, Poetics).
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use
- For Plato
- R. Hackforth, Plato's Phaedo (Cambridge);
- W.H.D. Rouse, Great Dialogues of Plato (Mentor): Symposium, Republic;
- R. Hackforth, Plato's Phaedrus (Cambridge);
- F.M. Cornford, Plato and Parmenides (London);
- F.M. Cornford, Plato's Theory of Knowledge (London):- Sophist;
- H.D.P. Lee, Plato Timaeus (Penguin)
the following works are also useful:- W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Greek Philosophy vol 4-5 (Cambridge)
- For Aristotle
- Categories cap. 1-5;
- Topics 1-3;
- Metaphysics i, xii;
- de Anima
book ii;
- Ethics books 1-2;
- Poetics book 1
the following works are also useful:- G.E.R. Lloyd, Aristotle (Cambridge)
~~~~Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class semestre 2 (1999)
Neoplatonic Philosophy seminar (M.A.);
107.4204.b 1
Monday 16.15-17.45 to be announced.
Between the years 204-270, there lived the last of the great ancient philosophers - this
was Plotinus, an Egypitan who taught at Rome.This philosopher created a system that
was ostensibly a revision of Plato (hence called Neoplatonism) but was really a combination
of the philosophy of Plato with that of Aristotle - a philosophy of the absolute with that of
Aristotelian empiricism. Plotinus' teaching shows how
the physical world is a phenomenal reflection of our upper mind, which is itself
a reflection of the Mind of the Universe, that is a reflection of the absolute world.
~~~~
The course is based on a reading of the 'Enneads' of Plotinus in Hebrew translation.
We will also examine briefly the development of Neoplatonic thought from
ancient times to modern.
Entrance Requirements Previous participation in a course on Plato and Aristotle.
~~~~
Bibliography:
For Hebrew text used in class, see Hebrew Menu
English readers may use the following:
Plotinus the Enneads, trans. S. MacKenna
the following works are also useful:
J.M. Rist, Plotinus The Road to Reality
R.T. Wallis, Neoplatonism
Course requirements: End of term paper
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
Atomism and Hedonism
seminar (B.A.); (107.3505.b 1)
Tuesday 10.15-11.45 room to be announced
Towards the end of the fourth century B.C., there worked at Athens a philosopher who was desparaged by religion but admired by men of reason. This was Epicurus whose philosophy taught that man was controled by two sole urges: the urge to avoid pain and the urge to pursue pleasure.
To avoid mental pain, we must understand the logic of the cosmos. If we grasp that our soul is a mere combination fo atoms and that there is no sensation after death, there will be no dread of cessation or of punishments in Hell. If we grap that the cosmos is but a chance collection of atoms, then we will have no fear of super-natural causes.
Only thus can man succeed in ridding himself of superstition - as the belief in omnipotent powers or divine providence. In this way we can avoid pain and mental distress and enjoy the mind's true pleasures.
In the course, we shall discuss Epicurus' Letters, a poem on the Nature of the Universe by Lucretius, and Cicero's discussion of the merits of Epicureanism.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew texts used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use any translation of:
- Cicero The Nature of the Gods (= de Natura Deorum)
- Lucretius The Nature of the Universe (= de Rerum Natura)
- also for discussion:
- A.A. Long-D.N. Sedley, The Hellenistic Philosophers (Cambridge), vol 1 or
- J.L. Saunders, Greek and Roman Philosophy after Aristotle (N.Y.)
~~~~
Course requirements: end of term paper
return to top
return to lecture list
- Hist. of Greek Philosophy (pt 1)
(lecture B.A.; 107.1111a1);
English summary of the lectures in this course on this site - Aristotle's Metaphysics (seminar B.A.; 107.3402.a 1)
- Religious Speculation in Greek Mythology (proseminar B.A.; History Dept.; 108.2113.a 1)
Please note that the class Rationalism and Medicine has been cancelled this year. Instead there is offered a class on Neoplatonism.
Semestre 2 menu
return to top
Lecture Menu
Semestre 2 (1999)
for details on lectures (syllabus, requirements, bibliographies, class-rooms etc.), press of one of the following:
- Hist. of Greek Philosophy (pt 2) (lecture B.A.; 107.1151.b 1)
- Neoplatonic Philosophy (seminar M.A.; 107.4204.b 1 )
- Atomism and Hedonism (seminar B.A.; 107.3505.b 1)
Semestre 1 menu
return to top
Details on Lectures/Seminars
schedules, contents, bibliography, requirements
All lectures/seminars are given in Hebrew
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
Philosophy Classes
-
The History of Greek Philosophy (part 1) (107.1111.a1 )
lecture (first year); Wednesday 12.15-13.45. room 711
This semestre we will discuss the development of Greek philosophy from its beginning with Thales of Miletus (c. 580 B.C.E.) down to the early dialogues of Plato (427-347 B.C.E.). The course revolves around discussion of the fragments and works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
- The cosmological and physical theories of the thinkers who preceded Socrates (the Pre-Socratic philosophers);
- The social and moral problems raised by Socrates' contemporaries, the Sophists;
- The dialectic of Socrates and his criticism of the Sophists;
- The ethical and cognitive problems discussed by Plato in his early dialogues.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
- J. Barnes, Early Greek Philosophy (Penguin, 1987) along with
-
Aristotle's Metaphysics book 1 (R. Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics (Ann Arbor)
-
W.H.D. Rouse, Great Dialogues of Plato (Mentor): Protagoras, Apology, Charmides, Euthyphro, Meno
The following works are also useful
- W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Greek Philosophy vol 1-4 (Cambridge)
- Gregory Vlastos Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosoher (Cambridge)
- Charles H. Kahn Plato and the Socratic Dialogue (Cambridge)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
Further information is found in the class syllabus (in Hebrew)
~~~~
Registered students in the class are welcome to access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "History of Greek Philosophy pt. 1"
To access the index of contents, press here
return to top
return to lecture menu
Philosophy Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
- Aristotle's Metaphysics
seminar (2nd/3rd year) (107.3402.a 1); Monday 18.00-19.30 room 1919 (Eshkol floor 19)
In the Metaphysics, Aristotle examines the meaning of being, as well as the role of a primary science that is prior to all others. Traditionally, the Metaphysics is divided into 13 'books', each of which is numbered by a letter of the Greek alphabet. These 'books' are of paramount importance for understanding Jewish, Christian and Islamic philosophy during the medieval period. In the present course we will discuss:
- Book iii (Beta): which questions ought metaphysics to raise first?
- Book iv (Gamma): the meaning and principle of being.
- Book v (Delta): meanings of homonymous concepts.
- Book vi (Epsilon): what is the science of being?
- Book vii (Zeta): the meaning and role of substance
- Book xii (Lambda): on the unmoved mover.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
Books iii-viii, xi of the Metaphysics, some of it in a new ongoing Hebrew trans. by myself. The English speaking students may use: Richard Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics, Anne Arbor, 1952
The following works are also useful
- William Rober Wians Aristotle's Philosophical Development
- G.E.R. Lloyd Arisotle: The Growth and Structure of his Thought Cambridge)
-
W.D. Ross Aristotle Metaphysics I (Oxford)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, mid-term assignment presented in class, end of term paper.
For admission to the course, students must have already participitated in a previous course on Plato.
return to top
return to lecture menu
History Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
- Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek Mythology
proseminar (2nd/3rd year); (108.2113.a1)
- Monday 14.15-15.45 room 607;
- Wednesday 18.00-19.30 room 704.
Around the end of the eighth century B.C.E., there worked in Greece a poet who created one of the earliest cosmological and theological theories in the whole of Europe. This man was Hesiod and his poems present us with the world-view of archaic man. In ancient times, he was considered the contemporary of Homer and his works were thought equal to the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The myths and fables that he told influenced western thought and art throughout the centuries - fables like the Myth of Pandora, Prometheus, the Ages
of Man etc.
In the course we will read - his poem The Theogony (Birth of the Gods) that combines Greek cosmological speculation with the creation myths of the east
-
and his poem Works and Days in which Hesiod teaches work-ethic and the social mores.
The class will meet twice a week, in which we shall read and analyse the works of Hesiod in Hebrew translation (see bibliography below). Students should note that there will be fequent use of visual media.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
Apostolos N. Athanassakis Hesiod Theogony Works and Days Shield(Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983)
The following works are also useful
-
Oswyn Murray Early Greece (Harvard)
- Lowell Edmunds Approaches to Greek Myth (John Hopkins)
- Moses I. Finley, Early Greece: The Bronze and Archaic Ages (London 1977)
- M.L. West Hesiod Theogony (Oxford)
- M.L. West Hesiod Works and Days (Oxford)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, final exam and class presentation (or end of term paper)
~~~~
You may access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek
Mythology" if you are a registered students in the class.
For the period of the strike, the password is 'hesiod'. To access by means of this password, press here
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Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
-
History of Greek Philosophy (part 2)
lecture (1st year); 107.1151.b 1
meets twice a week
- Sunday 14.00-15.30 -- room to be announced;
- Tuesday 14.00-15.30 -- room to be announced.
The class will discuss the development of Plato's middle and later philosophy, as well as the principles of Aristotle's thought. The course is based on discussions and readings from the works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
- The development of Plato's ontological and psychological theory (Meno, Phaedo, Symposium, Phaedrus)
- Plato's political and social theory (Republic)
- his self-criticism and discussions of logical concepts (Parmenides, Sophist)
- Aristotle's criticism of the Plato's theory of Forms (Metaphysics i)
- Aristotle's logical and psychological theory (Categories, On the Soul)
- his physical and metaphysical theory (Physics, Metaphysics)
- his ehtical and literary theory (Nicomachean Ethics, Poetics).
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use
- For Plato
- R. Hackforth, Plato's Phaedo (Cambridge);
- W.H.D. Rouse, Great Dialogues of Plato (Mentor): Symposium, Republic;
- R. Hackforth, Plato's Phaedrus (Cambridge);
- F.M. Cornford, Plato and Parmenides (London);
- F.M. Cornford, Plato's Theory of Knowledge (London):- Sophist;
- H.D.P. Lee, Plato Timaeus (Penguin)
the following works are also useful:- W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Greek Philosophy vol 4-5 (Cambridge)
- For Aristotle
- Categories cap. 1-5;
- Topics 1-3;
- Metaphysics i, xii;
- de Anima
book ii;
- Ethics books 1-2;
- Poetics book 1
the following works are also useful:- G.E.R. Lloyd, Aristotle (Cambridge)
~~~~Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
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Philosophy Class semestre 2 (1999)
Neoplatonic Philosophy seminar (M.A.);
107.4204.b 1
Monday 16.15-17.45 to be announced.
Between the years 204-270, there lived the last of the great ancient philosophers - this
was Plotinus, an Egypitan who taught at Rome.This philosopher created a system that
was ostensibly a revision of Plato (hence called Neoplatonism) but was really a combination
of the philosophy of Plato with that of Aristotle - a philosophy of the absolute with that of
Aristotelian empiricism. Plotinus' teaching shows how
the physical world is a phenomenal reflection of our upper mind, which is itself
a reflection of the Mind of the Universe, that is a reflection of the absolute world.
~~~~
The course is based on a reading of the 'Enneads' of Plotinus in Hebrew translation.
We will also examine briefly the development of Neoplatonic thought from
ancient times to modern.
Entrance Requirements Previous participation in a course on Plato and Aristotle.
~~~~
Bibliography:
For Hebrew text used in class, see Hebrew Menu
English readers may use the following:
Plotinus the Enneads, trans. S. MacKenna
the following works are also useful:
J.M. Rist, Plotinus The Road to Reality
R.T. Wallis, Neoplatonism
Course requirements: End of term paper
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Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
Atomism and Hedonism
seminar (B.A.); (107.3505.b 1)
Tuesday 10.15-11.45 room to be announced
Towards the end of the fourth century B.C., there worked at Athens a philosopher who was desparaged by religion but admired by men of reason. This was Epicurus whose philosophy taught that man was controled by two sole urges: the urge to avoid pain and the urge to pursue pleasure.
To avoid mental pain, we must understand the logic of the cosmos. If we grasp that our soul is a mere combination fo atoms and that there is no sensation after death, there will be no dread of cessation or of punishments in Hell. If we grap that the cosmos is but a chance collection of atoms, then we will have no fear of super-natural causes.
Only thus can man succeed in ridding himself of superstition - as the belief in omnipotent powers or divine providence. In this way we can avoid pain and mental distress and enjoy the mind's true pleasures.
In the course, we shall discuss Epicurus' Letters, a poem on the Nature of the Universe by Lucretius, and Cicero's discussion of the merits of Epicureanism.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew texts used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use any translation of:
- Cicero The Nature of the Gods (= de Natura Deorum)
- Lucretius The Nature of the Universe (= de Rerum Natura)
- also for discussion:
- A.A. Long-D.N. Sedley, The Hellenistic Philosophers (Cambridge), vol 1 or
- J.L. Saunders, Greek and Roman Philosophy after Aristotle (N.Y.)
~~~~
Course requirements: end of term paper
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Semestre 2 (1999)
for details on lectures (syllabus, requirements, bibliographies, class-rooms etc.), press of one of the following:
- Hist. of Greek Philosophy (pt 2) (lecture B.A.; 107.1151.b 1)
- Neoplatonic Philosophy (seminar M.A.; 107.4204.b 1 )
- Atomism and Hedonism (seminar B.A.; 107.3505.b 1)
Semestre 1 menu
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Details on Lectures/Seminars
schedules, contents, bibliography, requirements
All lectures/seminars are given in Hebrew
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
Philosophy Classes
-
The History of Greek Philosophy (part 1) (107.1111.a1 )
lecture (first year); Wednesday 12.15-13.45. room 711
This semestre we will discuss the development of Greek philosophy from its beginning with Thales of Miletus (c. 580 B.C.E.) down to the early dialogues of Plato (427-347 B.C.E.). The course revolves around discussion of the fragments and works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
- The cosmological and physical theories of the thinkers who preceded Socrates (the Pre-Socratic philosophers);
- The social and moral problems raised by Socrates' contemporaries, the Sophists;
- The dialectic of Socrates and his criticism of the Sophists;
- The ethical and cognitive problems discussed by Plato in his early dialogues.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
- J. Barnes, Early Greek Philosophy (Penguin, 1987) along with
-
Aristotle's Metaphysics book 1 (R. Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics (Ann Arbor)
-
W.H.D. Rouse, Great Dialogues of Plato (Mentor): Protagoras, Apology, Charmides, Euthyphro, Meno
The following works are also useful
- W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Greek Philosophy vol 1-4 (Cambridge)
- Gregory Vlastos Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosoher (Cambridge)
- Charles H. Kahn Plato and the Socratic Dialogue (Cambridge)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
Further information is found in the class syllabus (in Hebrew)
~~~~
Registered students in the class are welcome to access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "History of Greek Philosophy pt. 1"
To access the index of contents, press here
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return to lecture menu
Philosophy Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
- Aristotle's Metaphysics
seminar (2nd/3rd year) (107.3402.a 1); Monday 18.00-19.30 room 1919 (Eshkol floor 19)
In the Metaphysics, Aristotle examines the meaning of being, as well as the role of a primary science that is prior to all others. Traditionally, the Metaphysics is divided into 13 'books', each of which is numbered by a letter of the Greek alphabet. These 'books' are of paramount importance for understanding Jewish, Christian and Islamic philosophy during the medieval period. In the present course we will discuss:
- Book iii (Beta): which questions ought metaphysics to raise first?
- Book iv (Gamma): the meaning and principle of being.
- Book v (Delta): meanings of homonymous concepts.
- Book vi (Epsilon): what is the science of being?
- Book vii (Zeta): the meaning and role of substance
- Book xii (Lambda): on the unmoved mover.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
Books iii-viii, xi of the Metaphysics, some of it in a new ongoing Hebrew trans. by myself. The English speaking students may use: Richard Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics, Anne Arbor, 1952
The following works are also useful
- William Rober Wians Aristotle's Philosophical Development
- G.E.R. Lloyd Arisotle: The Growth and Structure of his Thought Cambridge)
-
W.D. Ross Aristotle Metaphysics I (Oxford)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, mid-term assignment presented in class, end of term paper.
For admission to the course, students must have already participitated in a previous course on Plato.
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History Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
- Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek Mythology
proseminar (2nd/3rd year); (108.2113.a1)
- Monday 14.15-15.45 room 607;
- Wednesday 18.00-19.30 room 704.
Around the end of the eighth century B.C.E., there worked in Greece a poet who created one of the earliest cosmological and theological theories in the whole of Europe. This man was Hesiod and his poems present us with the world-view of archaic man. In ancient times, he was considered the contemporary of Homer and his works were thought equal to the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The myths and fables that he told influenced western thought and art throughout the centuries - fables like the Myth of Pandora, Prometheus, the Ages
of Man etc.
In the course we will read - his poem The Theogony (Birth of the Gods) that combines Greek cosmological speculation with the creation myths of the east
-
and his poem Works and Days in which Hesiod teaches work-ethic and the social mores.
The class will meet twice a week, in which we shall read and analyse the works of Hesiod in Hebrew translation (see bibliography below). Students should note that there will be fequent use of visual media.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
Apostolos N. Athanassakis Hesiod Theogony Works and Days Shield(Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983)
The following works are also useful
-
Oswyn Murray Early Greece (Harvard)
- Lowell Edmunds Approaches to Greek Myth (John Hopkins)
- Moses I. Finley, Early Greece: The Bronze and Archaic Ages (London 1977)
- M.L. West Hesiod Theogony (Oxford)
- M.L. West Hesiod Works and Days (Oxford)
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, final exam and class presentation (or end of term paper)
~~~~
You may access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek
Mythology" if you are a registered students in the class.
For the period of the strike, the password is 'hesiod'. To access by means of this password, press here
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
-
History of Greek Philosophy (part 2)
lecture (1st year); 107.1151.b 1
meets twice a week
- Sunday 14.00-15.30 -- room to be announced;
- Tuesday 14.00-15.30 -- room to be announced.
The class will discuss the development of Plato's middle and later philosophy, as well as the principles of Aristotle's thought. The course is based on discussions and readings from the works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
- The development of Plato's ontological and psychological theory (Meno, Phaedo, Symposium, Phaedrus)
- Plato's political and social theory (Republic)
- his self-criticism and discussions of logical concepts (Parmenides, Sophist)
- Aristotle's criticism of the Plato's theory of Forms (Metaphysics i)
- Aristotle's logical and psychological theory (Categories, On the Soul)
- his physical and metaphysical theory (Physics, Metaphysics)
- his ehtical and literary theory (Nicomachean Ethics, Poetics).
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use
- For Plato
- R. Hackforth, Plato's Phaedo (Cambridge);
- W.H.D. Rouse, Great Dialogues of Plato (Mentor): Symposium, Republic;
- R. Hackforth, Plato's Phaedrus (Cambridge);
- F.M. Cornford, Plato and Parmenides (London);
- F.M. Cornford, Plato's Theory of Knowledge (London):- Sophist;
- H.D.P. Lee, Plato Timaeus (Penguin)
the following works are also useful:- W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Greek Philosophy vol 4-5 (Cambridge)
- For Aristotle
- Categories cap. 1-5;
- Topics 1-3;
- Metaphysics i, xii;
- de Anima
book ii;
- Ethics books 1-2;
- Poetics book 1
the following works are also useful:- G.E.R. Lloyd, Aristotle (Cambridge)
~~~~Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class semestre 2 (1999)
Neoplatonic Philosophy seminar (M.A.);
107.4204.b 1
Monday 16.15-17.45 to be announced.
Between the years 204-270, there lived the last of the great ancient philosophers - this
was Plotinus, an Egypitan who taught at Rome.This philosopher created a system that
was ostensibly a revision of Plato (hence called Neoplatonism) but was really a combination
of the philosophy of Plato with that of Aristotle - a philosophy of the absolute with that of
Aristotelian empiricism. Plotinus' teaching shows how
the physical world is a phenomenal reflection of our upper mind, which is itself
a reflection of the Mind of the Universe, that is a reflection of the absolute world.
~~~~
The course is based on a reading of the 'Enneads' of Plotinus in Hebrew translation.
We will also examine briefly the development of Neoplatonic thought from
ancient times to modern.
Entrance Requirements Previous participation in a course on Plato and Aristotle.
~~~~
Bibliography:
For Hebrew text used in class, see Hebrew Menu
English readers may use the following:
Plotinus the Enneads, trans. S. MacKenna
the following works are also useful:
J.M. Rist, Plotinus The Road to Reality
R.T. Wallis, Neoplatonism
Course requirements: End of term paper
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
Atomism and Hedonism
seminar (B.A.); (107.3505.b 1)
Tuesday 10.15-11.45 room to be announced
Towards the end of the fourth century B.C., there worked at Athens a philosopher who was desparaged by religion but admired by men of reason. This was Epicurus whose philosophy taught that man was controled by two sole urges: the urge to avoid pain and the urge to pursue pleasure.
To avoid mental pain, we must understand the logic of the cosmos. If we grasp that our soul is a mere combination fo atoms and that there is no sensation after death, there will be no dread of cessation or of punishments in Hell. If we grap that the cosmos is but a chance collection of atoms, then we will have no fear of super-natural causes.
Only thus can man succeed in ridding himself of superstition - as the belief in omnipotent powers or divine providence. In this way we can avoid pain and mental distress and enjoy the mind's true pleasures.
In the course, we shall discuss Epicurus' Letters, a poem on the Nature of the Universe by Lucretius, and Cicero's discussion of the merits of Epicureanism.
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
for Hebrew texts used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use any translation of:
- Cicero The Nature of the Gods (= de Natura Deorum)
- Lucretius The Nature of the Universe (= de Rerum Natura)
- also for discussion:
- A.A. Long-D.N. Sedley, The Hellenistic Philosophers (Cambridge), vol 1 or
- J.L. Saunders, Greek and Roman Philosophy after Aristotle (N.Y.)
~~~~
Course requirements: end of term paper
return to top
return to lecture list
- Hist. of Greek Philosophy (pt 2) (lecture B.A.; 107.1151.b 1)
- Neoplatonic Philosophy (seminar M.A.; 107.4204.b 1 )
- Atomism and Hedonism (seminar B.A.; 107.3505.b 1)
Semestre 1 menu
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Philosophy Classes
Texts for discussion: The following works are also useful
~~~~
Registered students in the class are welcome to access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "History of Greek Philosophy pt. 1"
~~~~
Texts for discussion: The following works are also useful
Course requirements: For admission to the course, students must have already participitated in a previous course on Plato.
Around the end of the eighth century B.C.E., there worked in Greece a poet who created one of the earliest cosmological and theological theories in the whole of Europe. This man was Hesiod and his poems present us with the world-view of archaic man. In ancient times, he was considered the contemporary of Homer and his works were thought equal to the Iliad and the Odyssey. ~~~~
Texts for discussion:
Apostolos N. Athanassakis Hesiod Theogony Works and Days Shield(Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983)
The following works are also useful
~~~~
Course requirements:
~~~~
You may access English summaries of individual lectures in the course "Religious and Social Speculation in Archaic Greek
Mythology" if you are a registered students in the class.
Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
meets twice a week
~~~~
Texts for discussion:
the following works are also useful: the following works are also useful: Course requirements:
Between the years 204-270, there lived the last of the great ancient philosophers - this
was Plotinus, an Egypitan who taught at Rome.This philosopher created a system that
was ostensibly a revision of Plato (hence called Neoplatonism) but was really a combination
of the philosophy of Plato with that of Aristotle - a philosophy of the absolute with that of
Aristotelian empiricism. Plotinus' teaching shows how
the physical world is a phenomenal reflection of our upper mind, which is itself
a reflection of the Mind of the Universe, that is a reflection of the absolute world.
~~~~
The course is based on a reading of the 'Enneads' of Plotinus in Hebrew translation.
We will also examine briefly the development of Neoplatonic thought from
ancient times to modern.
Entrance Requirements Previous participation in a course on Plato and Aristotle.
~~~~
Bibliography:
For Hebrew text used in class, see Hebrew Menu
English readers may use the following: the following works are also useful:
Course requirements: End of term paper
Towards the end of the fourth century B.C., there worked at Athens a philosopher who was desparaged by religion but admired by men of reason. This was Epicurus whose philosophy taught that man was controled by two sole urges: the urge to avoid pain and the urge to pursue pleasure.
To avoid mental pain, we must understand the logic of the cosmos. If we grasp that our soul is a mere combination fo atoms and that there is no sensation after death, there will be no dread of cessation or of punishments in Hell. If we grap that the cosmos is but a chance collection of atoms, then we will have no fear of super-natural causes.
~~~~ Texts for discussion:
- also for discussion: ~~~~
Details on Lectures/Seminars
schedules, contents, bibliography, requirements
All lectures/seminars are given in Hebrew
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
lecture (first year); Wednesday 12.15-13.45. room 711
This semestre we will discuss the development of Greek philosophy from its beginning with Thales of Miletus (c. 580 B.C.E.) down to the early dialogues of Plato (427-347 B.C.E.). The course revolves around discussion of the fragments and works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
~~~~
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
~~~~
Course requirements:
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
Further information is found in the class syllabus (in Hebrew)
To access the index of contents, press here
return to top
return to lecture menu
Philosophy Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
seminar (2nd/3rd year) (107.3402.a 1); Monday 18.00-19.30 room 1919 (Eshkol floor 19)
In the Metaphysics, Aristotle examines the meaning of being, as well as the role of a primary science that is prior to all others. Traditionally, the Metaphysics is divided into 13 'books', each of which is numbered by a letter of the Greek alphabet. These 'books' are of paramount importance for understanding Jewish, Christian and Islamic philosophy during the medieval period. In the present course we will discuss:
Books iii-viii, xi of the Metaphysics, some of it in a new ongoing Hebrew trans. by myself. The English speaking students may use: Richard Hope, Aristotle Metaphysics, Anne Arbor, 1952
~~~~
attendance, mid-term assignment presented in class, end of term paper.
return to top
return to lecture menu
History Class
Semestre 1 (1998-1999)
proseminar (2nd/3rd year); (108.2113.a1)
The myths and fables that he told influenced western thought and art throughout the centuries - fables like the Myth of Pandora, Prometheus, the Ages
of Man etc.
In the course we will read
The class will meet twice a week, in which we shall read and analyse the works of Hesiod in Hebrew translation (see bibliography below). Students should note that there will be fequent use of visual media.
for Hebrew editions used in class, see Hebrew menu; English readers may otherwise use:
attendance, final exam and class presentation (or end of term paper)
For the period of the strike, the password is 'hesiod'. To access by means of this password, press here
return to top
return to lecture list
lecture (1st year); 107.1151.b 1
The class will discuss the development of Plato's middle and later philosophy, as well as the principles of Aristotle's thought. The course is based on discussions and readings from the works of the philosophers themselves. We plan to examine:
for Hebrew editions used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use
~~~~
attendance, two assignments, end of term exam; final grade is based on a combination of these.
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class semestre 2 (1999)
107.4204.b 1
Monday 16.15-17.45 to be announced.
return to top
return to lecture list
Philosophy Class Semestre 2 (1999)
seminar (B.A.); (107.3505.b 1)
Tuesday 10.15-11.45 room to be announced
Only thus can man succeed in ridding himself of superstition - as the belief in omnipotent powers or divine providence. In this way we can avoid pain and mental distress and enjoy the mind's true pleasures.
In the course, we shall discuss Epicurus' Letters, a poem on the Nature of the Universe by Lucretius, and Cicero's discussion of the merits of Epicureanism.
for Hebrew texts used in class, see
Hebrew menu;
English readers may otherwise use any translation of:
Course requirements: end of term paper
return to top
return to lecture list