Module VPR-1102:
Intro to Ancient Philosophy
Intro to Ancient Philosophy 2022-23
VPR-1102
2022-23
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Gareth Evans-Jones
Overview
This module offers students a broad introduction into the field of Ancient Philosophy. Commencing with the pre-Socratics, we will explore the themes and characteristics of the type(s) of philosophy that developed in the early period of Western thought. We will then consider the significant philosopher that is Plato. By examining his Republic in detail, students will acquire a close knowledge of the text, particularly with regard to key ideas such as the theory of Forms, the nature of justice and the three parts of the soul. Building upon that, we will consider the later philosophers, including Aristotle, and other schools of thought, such as the Epicureans and the Stoics. When appropriate, we will consider the application of these ancient philosophies to contemporary thought and society.
This module will commence with an overview of what Ancient Philosophy entails before exploring the school of thought known as the Pre-Socratics. Focus will be placed on such thinkers as Pythagoras, Heraclitus and Parmenides. Following that, close consideration will be given to Plato and his major work, the Republic. With that, we shall explore themes such as the Forms and the Allegory of the Cave, and his ideas of the soul. We shall then consider Aristotle’s contribution to Western philosophy, before scrutinising ancient philosophy after Aristotle, with particular emphasis on the Epicureans and the Stoics. Throughout the module, a consideration of how these ancient thinkers have been influential on the modern world and how we can engage with such ancient texts in response to modern issues, such as environmental challenges, will be done.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:- Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.- Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.- Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.- Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.
-good -Good C- - C +. Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:- Good structure and logically developed arguments.- At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.- Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning.- Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.Very Good B- - B+. Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:- Very good structure and logically developed arguments.- Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.- Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.- Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.
-excellent -A - - A*. Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:- Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.- Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.- Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.
Learning Outcomes
- demonstrate a basic understanding of the key themes of the Republic including the theory of the Forms, the idea of justice and the three parts of the soul,
- show ability to communicate ideas in oral and written form
- show an awareness of the complexity and ambiguity involved in presenting philosophical arguments in dialogue form,
- show an awareness of the complexity and ambiguity involved in presenting philosophical arguments in dialogue form,
- show an awareness of the relevance of the Republic to contemporary debates in philosophy, particularly concerning the theory of justice,
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A 2000 word text analysis
Weighting
50%
Due date
28/11/2022
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A 2000 word essay responding to one of a selection of questions.
Weighting
50%
Due date
10/01/2023