great thinkers, great ideas

We are about to embark on a study, a study of ideas. Many of
the greatest thinkers from the ancient Greeks to the present day
are going to help us in this study by challenging us with their
thoughts about many questions. The general focus will be on
political, moral and economic ideas, but in the process we will
move in and out of topics which relate, sometimes directly,
sometimes obliquely, to the major thrust of the course.
We could call this a course in the History of Ideas, or we could
simply say we are going to discuss philosophy. Regardless of the
title, the subject is the same.
What is philosophy? Why should we study it? What good will
come of our efforts?
Philosophy, defined, means “love of wisdom.” Please note,
not love of knowledge, although knowledge is important, but
love of wisdom. Philosophy has been said to be the art of making
the complex simple, or a way of thinking, or a search for truth,
or a search for meaning, or a way to live the good life. On a
multiple choice question sheet the correct answer would be “All
of the above” —and more. Socrates once said, “The unexamined
life is not worth living.” Life is important; if this is so, then we
are obliged to try to learn how to live it well.
This text will present a very basic introduction to the subject.
It will be long on politics, ethics, and logic; short on esthetics and
metaphysics. This presentation is intentional; the purpose is to
bring students into discussion and through the exchange of ideas,
expand their understanding of issues of importance to them. We
certainly will not cover it all. But we will be introduced to much,
and much of what we learn will be confusing. But confusion is
the beginning of wisdom— and that brings us back to the defini­
tion of philosophy.