Hellenistic Philosophy

The Hellenistic period was a rich and exciting time for philosophy. It saw the birth of two new schools of thought, Epicureanism and Stoicism, and important developments in Plato's Academy. Aristotelians and Cynics were also active during the period, all of which created a vibrant philosophical landscape.

Many of the ideas now associated with early modern and enlightenment philosophy - such as empiricism, materialism, and religious scepticism - were widely discussed by Hellenistic philosophers. In Hellenistic Philosophy, Sellars offers a thematic introduction to the philosophy of this era. The author highlights the very practical outlook common of the time, in which philosophy was seen as a guide for life, and summarizes the key debates on a series of topics, ranging from epistemology to political philosophy.

The works of Hellenistic philosophers had a vital influence on later thought, and especially on the development of early modern philosophy. In providing an accessible outline of this important era, the book is of particular use to students and general readers interested in the period. It is also an invaluable resource for teaching with its guide to Hellenistic philosophers, chronology, and extensive cross-references to standard collections of ancient texts.


Author: John Sellars
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 09/26/2018
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780199674121

Review Citation(s):
Choice 07/01/2019

About the Author

John Sellars, Lecturer in Philosophy, Royal Holloway, University of London

John Sellars is a Lecturer in Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, and a Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London. He is also a member of Wolfson College, Oxford, having previously been a Junior Research Fellow. He is the author of The Art of Living: The Stoics on the Nature
and Function of Philosophy (2003) and Stoicism (2006). He recently edited The Routledge Handbook of the Stoic Tradition (2016).