units

ATS3885

Faculty of Arts

12 April 2013 23 May 2013

Undergraduate - Unit

print version

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
Organisational UnitPhilosophy
OfferedClayton First semester 2013 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2013 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2013 (Off-campus)
Clayton Summer semester A 2013 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)Assoc Prof Dirk Baltzly

Notes

Previously coded PHL3890

Synopsis

This unit introduces the student to the philosophical systems of these rival Hellenistic schools and examines their interaction, evolution and relevance to contemporary philosophical problems. Among the issues that concern the stoics and epicureans are questions about happiness and fulfilment; coping with the inevitability of death; fatalism and moral responsibility; and the role and relevance of god in a purely material universe. A proper understanding of the truths revealed by the systems was thought to make the fully educated stoic or epicurean 'a mortal god'-blessed and happy, utterly immune to the vagaries of misfortune and fearless in the face of death.

Outcomes

Students who complete the subject successfully should:

  • understand the central perspectives and tenets of stoic and epicurean philosophy
  • appreciate how the stoic and epicurean systems were shaped by classical philosophy and the social conditions of the Hellenistic period
  • be aware of the ways in which subsequent historical and social conditions were shaped by adherents of the two schools
  • be in a position and motivated to explore stoic and epicurean ideas towards a resolution of a variety of contemporary philosophical problems.

Assessment

Written work: 70% (3500 words)
Test: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Assoc Prof Dirk Baltzly

Contact hours

On-campus: 2 hours (one 2-hour seminar) per week. OCL: workshops optional

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Philosophy
Classical studies

Prerequisites

12 points 2-level PHL, 12 points in Classical Studies, or permission of Instructor