Technê [craft, art, or expertise] is a powerful concept in ancient Greek thought. To have a craft is to have a kind of wisdom; but we may need further wisdom to use craft well. This course explores the significance of technê and its complex relation to sophia, wisdom, in early Greek thought. Topics include the divine wisdom (and craft) of the poet, the mysterious Seven Sages, the mythic origins of the crafts, craft and the city, debates about bogus and borderline cases, and the sophistic and Socratic idea of an 'art of politics'. Readings will include Hesiod’s Works and Days, sophistic fragments, medical texts, and several brief Platonic dialogues. Comparisons may also be explored to contemporary theories of skill and technology, and similar ideas in ancient Chinese philosophy. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.