Corporeality and the Soul: Plato, Aristotle and Beyond

Is the soul a body? If not, how is it related to body and bodies? This seminar looks at how historical thinkers approached these questions and related ones. The seminar will consist of a synoptic survey of ancient Greek theories with primary focus on Plato and Aristotle. We will begin with the (so-called) Presocratics and cover in addition the Stoics and Galen. These ancient theories will be placed in dialogue with Cartesian and contemporary views on this subject. Connections will also be drawn to broader topics including causation, personal identity, and the relation between philosophy and empirical sciences.

This seminar will be primarily in English. Some knowledge of the history of philosophy or philosophy of mind as well as ancient Greek is relevant but not required.