This module introduces some of the major works in ancient philosophy in relation to ethics, aesthetics, political theory, ontology and metaphysics. Students will study substantial portions of primary texts by the Presocratics, Plato, Aristotle the Epicureans, Stoics and/or 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.
Total Contact Hours: 30
Private Study Hours: 270
Total Study Hours: 300
Autumn or Spring
Also available under code CL7080 (Level 5)
Main assessment methods
Essay (2,000 words) – 50%
Exercises (2,000 words) – 40%
Seminar Participation – 10%
Levels distinguished by challenge and questions set
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (3,000
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module Level 6 students will also be able to:
1. Articulate detailed and nuanced answers to key questions in ancient philosophy (e.g., what is virtue?, what is knowledge?, what are the first causes and principles of reality?; what is nature? what is the nature of mimesis?);
2. Show deep understanding of the importance and implications of the central issues of ancient philosophy within their historical context, the field of philosophy, and modern scholarly literature;
3. Understand the conceptual nuances of key ancient Greek terms without relying on English translations and appreciate the ambiguity and limits of knowledge;
4. Devise sustained, critical and evaluative arguments related to the interpretation and analysis of these issues;
5. Engage reflectively with current research related to primary and secondary sources;
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module Level-6 students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate skills in critical analysis and argument, both through their reading and through listening to others;
2. Make complex ideas clearly understandable in their philosophical writing, and focussed on precision and clarity;
3. Make complex ideas clearly understandable in their public speaking;
4. Working autonomously and taking responsibility for their learning.
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