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The Study of Ancient Philosophy

This chapter reflects on the study of ancient philosophy. Ancient philosophy can be studied in many ways. The thoughts of ancient philosophers are of great interest not just as philosophical thoughts; many of them, in one way or another, are also of great historical importance. They help to explain a great many historical facts, not just in the history of philosophy but in many other histories. Or they are reflections of some historical development we may be interested in; again, this may be a development in the history of philosophy or in some other history, even one that at first may seem to have very little to do with philosophy. Thus, there are many approaches to the thought of ancient philosophers, all of which contribute to a better understanding of it. One can pursue each of the many histories in which ancient philosophy, either as a whole or in part, plays a role and try to determine what this role is in a manner appropriate for the history in question. Indeed, one reason why the study of ancient philosophy is so attractive and so lively is that it allows for so many interests and approaches.