Fundamental texts in the European tradition - ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy module (PI42013)

This module invites you to delve into the origins of philosophical inquiry, tracing the evolution of ideas surrounding themes like God, being, time, and eternity from ancient myths to the writing of classical philosophers.

Through a series of captivating texts, including fragments, treatises, and dialogues, you will unravel the metaphysical mysteries that have captivated thinkers for centuries.

We will begin with by exploring early discussions in ancient myths and the writings from Pre-socratic philosophers like Heraclitus and Parmenides. From there, we will delve into seminal texts like Plato's "Timaeus," or Aristotle's "Metaphysics", exploring the generation of the universe and Plato's profound insights into the nature of metaphysical ideas like being, time, and motion.

Throughout the module, students engage in rigorous textual analysis, honing their skills in reading, interpreting, and critically assessing philosophical texts from a specific historical period. By the end of the module, students emerge with a comprehensive understanding of classical perspectives on time and eternity, equipped with the analytical tools to navigate complex metaphysical inquiries and reflect critically on fundamental philosophical concepts.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• engage deeply with classic philosophical texts exploring the concepts of time and eternity
• learn to read and interpret texts with a focus on their ongoing relevance to philosophical discourse
• enhance your ability to critically assess philosophical texts from a specific historical period
• analyse how philosophical traditions engage with and reflect upon the ideas of early thinkers
• become acquainted with foundational philosophical concepts that have shaped the trajectory of philosophical inquiry
• develop essential skills in philosophical reading and interpretation, applicable beyond the scope of this module

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate proficiency in interpreting a variety of philosophical texts, including myths, fragments, and treatises
• gain familiarity with central theories and arguments in classical thought regarding time and eternity
• appreciate the diverse applications of philosophical reasoning techniques within the context of metaphysical inquiry
• navigate complex metaphysical discussions with clarity and insight
• reflect critically on the nature of fundamental philosophical concepts

Assignments / assessment

• Worksheets:
  • Worksheet 1: Essay plan/outline: 500-700 Words (25%)
  • Worksheet 2: Bullet points detailing a short presentation (15%)
• Essay
  • Final Essay: 3,500 Words (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

The module consists of 22 lecture seminars and 11 tutorials.