Classics

This module introduces foundational ideas from some of the most influential thinkers from ancient Greek philosophy. We will begin by looking at several important Presocratic philosophers, with a particular focus on their contributions and approaches to natural philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political theory. We then trace the thread of these debates through to three towering figures of classical Greek philosophy and the Western philosophical canon: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle (and, potentially, this could include the Epicureans, Stoics and the Skeptics). The emphasis throughout will be on the philosophical significance of the ideas studied. The module will concentrate on understanding key philosophical arguments and concepts within the context of the ancient intellectual tradition. This means that students will gain a critical distance from normative and modern definitions of philosophical terms in order to understand how ancient philosophy generally approached questions and problems with different suppositions and conceptions of reality, reason and the purpose of human existence.

This is an introductory course, so there are no entry requirements.

A wide variety of extracts from original text (in English translation), and perhaps relevant historical and geographical material, concerning the nature of the ancient world, will be provided during the course. Recommended Readings: Christopher Shields, Ancient Philosophy. A contemporary introduction. Second edition, Routledge. Cathrine Osborne, Presocratic Philosophy. A very short introduction, OUP. Christopher C. W. Taylor, Socrates. A very short introduction, OUP. Julia Annas, Plato. A very short introduction, OUP. Jonathan Barnes, Aristotle. A very short introduction, OUP. R.W. Sharples, Stoics, Epicurean, and Sceptics. An introduction to Hellenistic Philosophy, Routledge.

Traditional lectures and seminars.

Not mandatory

Oral examination

Traditional lectures and seminars.