Ancient Greek Philosophy (PHIL*2140)
Code and section: PHIL*2140*01
Term: Fall 2021
Instructor: Andrew Freundlich
Details
Method of Delivery:
This course will be taught face-to-face delivery and will have no online components.
Course Synopsis:
This course will focus on conceptions of the good/happy life in ancient Greek and Roman philosophical traditions. The first unit examines the Hellenistic schools—particularly Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Scepticism. For these schools, the purpose of philosophy was not merely theoretical but functioned as a guide for living well. Accordingly, we shall explore the intimate connection between their understanding of the natural world and their ethics. Next, we move to Aristotle's account of living well and consider ideas about friendship and cultivating good character. Finally, we will end with reading Platonic dialogues on topics such as the function of philosophy in society and Eros.
Assignments & Means of Evaluation (tentative):
- Test 1- 30%
- Test 2 - 30%
- Test 3 - 30%
- Participation - 10%
Required Textbooks:
- Hellenistic Philosophy 2nd ed. Brad Inwood
- The Nicomachean Ethics (Penguin Classics)
- Selected Dialogues of Plato: The Benjamin Jowett Translation
Please note: This is a preliminary web course outline only. The Philosophy Department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.