In ancient Greece and Rome philosophy wasn't simply an academic discipline; people chose to become philosophers and to engage in an art of living devoted to rigorous self-examination and the rational molding of the self. This course will introduce you to this conception of philosophy as a way of life and explore some of the questions that often most concern us and that have seemed to many to have a particularly philosophical character to them: What is happiness? What is a good life? How should I live? Should I fear death? What role should reason play in my life? What role should the emotions play? What is love? What is friendship? What gives life meaning? Course materials will be drawn from a mixture of traditional philosophical works (including works by Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, and Seneca) together with some philosophically challenging works of literature, film, and music. Students will be expected not only to examine these materials closely but also to reflect upon their own convictions about these matters and to try to adhere to the Delphic injunction to know thyself. "To be a philosopher, " wrote that great New England genius Henry David Thoreau, "is not merely to have subtle thoughts...but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates....It is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically." In this course we will seek to put Thoreau's words to the test. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: several short writing assignments, the keeping of a philosophy journal, active class participation, and a final exam. *Note*: in addition to regular class attendance, students will be required to attend a number of evening film screenings (approximately four films in total). No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 10-15). Preference given to first-year students and sophomores.