Books in the Ancient Philosophies series

Organised in broadly chronological terms, this book presents the philosophical arguments of the great Indian Buddhist philosophers of the fifth century BCE to the eighth century CE. It includes chapters that examine their core ethical, metaphysical and epistemological views as well as the distinctive area of Buddhist ethics.

Presents the history and salient tenets of Confucian thought, and discusses its viability, from both a social and a philosophical point of view, in the modern world. This book guides readers through the philosophies of the three major classical Confucians: Confucius (551-479 BCE), Mencius (372-289 BCE), and Xunzi (floruit 3rd century BCE).

Stoicism was one of the most influential schools of philosophy in antiquity. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to this great philosophical school. By outlining the central philosophical ideas of Stoicism, it intends to introduce readers to the different ancient authors and sources that they encounter when exploring Stoicism.

In late antiquity the works of Plato and Aristotle were subject to intense study, which eventually led to the development of a new literary form, the philosophical commentary. This book presents an introduction to the 'philosophy' of the commentators: their way of doing philosophy and the kind of philosophical problems they found interesting.

Provides an introduction to the arguments, central themes and general concerns of ancient Scepticism, from its beginnings with Pyrrho of Elis (c 360-c 270 BCE) to the writings of Sextus Empiricus in the second century CE.

Plato (c 428-347 BCE) stands at the beginning of many debates that have continued throughout the history of philosophy. This title offers a fresh general survey of Plato's philosophy. It highlights the continuing themes in Plato's work and how they develop from one dialogue to another.

The Epicurean school of philosophy was one of the dominant philosophies of the Hellenistic period. Founded by Epicurus of Samos (century 341-270 BCE) it was characterized by an empiricist epistemology and a hedonistic ethics. This title offers readers an exposition of the central tenets of Epicurus' philosophy.

"Aristotle's Heirs: An Introduction to the Peripatetic Tradition" is the first book of its kind to provide a survey of this important philosophical tradition.

An account of the Presocratics, this work introduces the major Greek philosophical thinkers from the sixth to the middle of the fifth century BC. It explores how we might go about reconstructing their views and understanding the motivation and context for their work as well as highlighting the philosophical interest of their claims.

Covering the Neoplatonic movement from its founder, Plotinus (AD 204-70) to the closure of Plato's Academy in AD 529, this title explores the ideas of leading Neoplatonists such as Porphyry, Iamblichus, Proclus, Simplicius and Damascius.

Offers a survey of Cynicism, its varied representatives and ideas, and the many contexts in which it operated. This book introduces important ancient Cynics and their times, from Diogenes 'the Dog' in the fourth century BC to Sallustius in the fifth century AD.