Module description
This module offers an introduction to some of the most exciting, important and seminal thinkers and texts in Greek and Roman philosophy. In Semester 1, we will first explore such pioneering presocratic philosophers as Thales, Anaximander, Xenophanes, Heraclitus and Parmenides and then proceed to the towering figures of Socrates and Plato. In Semester 2, we will turn to Aristotle and to the major schools of the Hellenistic era: the Stoics, Epicureans, Cynics and Sceptics.
The module thus introduces students to central periods and milestones in the development of Greek and Roman philosophy, to some of the most fascinating and enduringly influential philosophical works in the history of Western thought and to a rich diversity of ancient philosophical inquiries, including ethics, politics, cosmology, theology, ontology and epistemology.
Students will learn to apply a range of critical perspectives and methods to ancient philosophical texts. In the process, they will acquire methodological tools which will both enable them to pursue further independent study of such texts and prepare them for the ancient philosophy papers in more advanced stages of their degree programme.
Assessment details
Coursework
2 x 2,000 word essays (100%, based on the higher of the two marks; failure to submit 2 essays will be penalized by capping essay component of module mark at 40)
Teaching pattern
20 x 2-hour lecture (weekly) and 20 x 1 hour seminar (weekly).