Retrieving the Ancients tells the story of the first philosophers in the West. A clear and engaging introduction to ancient Greek philosophy, this work tells the story of the first philosophers in the West, from Thales to Aristotle. It has a strong sense of narrative drive. This work treats the history of ancient Greek philosophy dialectically, as a conversation in which each thinker responds to and moves beyond his predecessors. It argues that the works of the ancients are as valuable today as ever.