Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHY
Code PHIL237
Coordinator Dr N Gkogkas
Philosophy
Nikolaos.Gkogkas@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

  1. To consider the theories and arguments of some of the most important ancient philosophers, in particular Plato and Aristotle.
  2. To consider key ethical, epistemological and metaphysical concepts relevant to ancient philosophy, and their interconnections.
  3. To analyse and practise the dialectical skills portrayed in the ancien t texts.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to explain and evaluate some of the main theories in ancient Greek philosophy.
Students will be able to analyse concepts and arguments relating to classic ethical, epistemological and/or metaphysical issues.
Students will be able to identify points of agreement and disagreement between different philosophies.
Students will be able to structure a discussion of central issues in ancient Greek philosophy.
Students will be able to engage dialectically with positions in ancient Greek philosophy and to articulate the implications of these positions.
Students will be able to present their ideas with clarity and confidence.
Students will be able to write coherent, structured and informative accounts of abstract philosophical issues.

Students will be able to highlight the social and political dimensions of ancient Greek philosophy, in terms of justice and the ''good life''.

Students will be able to compare and contrast philosophy as an intellectual activity and philosophy as a ''way of life'', with reference to Socratic enquiry.

Students will be able to reflect on the significance of ancient Greek philosophy for the emergence of Western ideals about democracy and rational discourse.

Syllabus

Socrates, Plato and Aristotle: the Historical Setting

Is Virtue Teachable?

Success, Happiness, Eudaimonia

Love and Friendship

Motivation, Reason and parts of the Soul

Justice

Causality and Freedom

Pleasure and Duty

Practical and Theoretical Wisdom

Substance and Substances

Time and Eternity

Truth vs Persuasion


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - 11 x 1 hour lecture.

Seminar - 11 x 1 hour seminar.

Assessment - Examination.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11
11 x 1 hour lecture.
11
11 x 1 hour seminar.
      2
Examination.
24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen Written Exam  120  60  Yes    Assessment 3 Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessed presentation (10%). Presentations occur in seminars and are assessed by the seminar tutor. It is not possible for assessed presentations to be marked anonymously. 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Practical Assessment  10-15 minutes  10  No reassessment opportunity  Late submission is not possible.   Assessed Presentation There is no reassessment opportunity, Presentations are done in class and there is no re-sit opportunity.  
Coursework  2,000 words  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: