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Greek Philosophy (PHIL20040)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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The world seems to be in constant flux—but does it really change, or are we merely deluded by appearances? Can humans overcome their basest instincts, or are we condemned to have our rational mind always defeated by the power of our irrational impulses? What does justice demand of us? Or is talk of justice itself just a ruse developed by the powerful to keep us in line?

In this course, we will examine how these topics were tackled as, in fact, interconnected problems within the philosophical systems of ancient Greece; we will chiefly focus on Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics. We will proceed chronologically, starting with the tour de force that is Parmenides’ argument for monism, and then continuing with four of Plato’s dialogues (Laches, Protagoras, Symposium, and Republic). The second half of the course will focus on Aristotle’s innovative and influential logic, natural philosophy, and ethics. We will conclude with an examination of the radical ethical theory of the Stoics, which held that virtue alone was sufficient for happiness: a shocking thesis that implies that the truly wise man would be equally happy whether he was a debased and tortured slave or an admired Roman emperor.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject will:



  • Acquire ability to give an account of the scope, achievements, and principal concerns of some central Greek philosophical investigations into the nature of reality, knowledge and value;
  • Improve skills in reading philosophical texts and in writing philosophical papers.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • have developed their powers of critical and analytical thinking.
  • be able to apply these powers to problems and issues in other areas of philosophy, and in other disciplines.
  • have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a human being.

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHIL10002 Philosophy: The Big Questions
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHIL10003 Philosophy: The Great Thinkers
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Assessment

Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A written examination

  • 2000 words (equivalent)
Mid semester50%

A written examination

  • 2000 words (equivalent)
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials (i.e., 8 out of 11 weeks) in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subjectN/A

Additional details

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five working days, late assessment will not be marked.

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorEmily Hulme
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours35 hours - 2 x 1 hour lectures each week and 1 x 1 hour tutorial in weeks 2-12
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020
    Last self-enrol date14 August 2020
    Census date21 September 2020
    Last date to withdraw without fail16 October 2020
    Assessment period ends27 November 2020

    Semester 2 contact information

    emily.hulmekozey@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Additional delivery details

Please note that whilst it is recommended that students complete a first year philosophy subject, before enrolling in this subject, this is not a requirement.

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Further information

Last updated: 3 October 2023