PHIL212-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017

Reason, Desire and Happiness: Hellenistic Philosophy

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 17 July 2017
End Date: Sunday, 19 November 2017
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 28 July 2017
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 13 October 2017

Description

In ancient Greece and Rome, philosophy was thought to be more than simply a discipline of academic interest. Many philosophers saw themselves as being like physicians. If physicians treat and heal the body, the role of the philosopher is to provide comparable therapy for the soul so that we can live well and flourish. This view was common to Aristotle, the Epicureans, the Sceptics and the Stoics. This course introduces you to this philosophical tradition and to the work of its proponents. Topics covered include the relationship between emotion and reason, the value of true beliefs, the nature of erotic love, the fear of death, the basis of anger and aggression, the value of self-control, and the legitimate tasks and methods of philosophy.

Not only is philosophy one of the most interesting and challenging subjects, it teaches skills that employers want: thinking outside the box, logic, ethics, and excellent writing and communication skills. At UC you can do either a BA or a BSc in Philosophy, or combine a Philosophy major with the LLB, BCom, or another degree.

BA or BSc students who major in philosophy must normally take at least two 100-level PHIL courses, plus at least three 200-level PHIL courses (including PHIL233), plus at least 60-points from 300-level PHIL courses (including at least one course from this list: PHIL305; PHIL310; PHIL311; and PHIL317). For more information see the BA regulations and/or the BSc regulations.

Learning Outcomes

  • In this course you will learn:
  • An understanding of, and engagement with, central themes in Hellenistic Philosophy.
  • The ability to critically evaluate Epicurean, Sceptic and Stoic accounts of living well.
  • Awareness of an alternative model of philosophical activity.
  • Critical and interpretative skills of value in the academy, workplace and everyday life.

Prerequisites

15 points in PHIL or CLAS or a B average in 60 points of appropriate courses with approval of the Programme Coordinator.

Restrictions

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Michael-John Turp

Contact Michael-John for further information.

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Essay 1 30% 1500 words.
Essay 2 30% 1500 words.
Final examination 40% One three-hour examination.

Textbooks / Resources

Required Texts

Nussbaum, Martha Craven; The therapy of desire : theory and practice in Hellenistic ethics ; 2009 ed; Princeton University Press, 2009.

(Image: “Rafael – Escola de Atenas”, licensed under public domain.)

Course links

Library portal
Philosophy Essay Writing Guide (available to all enrolled Philosophy students)

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $732.00

International fee $2,975.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Humanities .

All PHIL212 Occurrences

  • PHIL212-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017