Ancient Ethics (U04151)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-3-U04151

The course will examine theories of virtue and the good in ancient thinkers, particularly in Plato, Aristotle, and in the Hellenistic philosophers; thinkers from later antiquity may also be included. Topics discussed will include the nature of virtue, its relation to the good and to knowledge, and the unity of virtue. The impact of ancient theories of virtue on later thought will also be considered.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Normal Philosophy Honours entry requirements.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Philosophy, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 1 hour(s) 50 minutes per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
16/01/2009	09:00	10:50			Dugald Stewart Building, Room 3.10

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Friday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should have acquired
? an understanding of some major issues in ancient theories of virtue
? an understanding of how these issues relate to continuing debates
? an ability to read closely, analyse and criticise ancient philosophical texts.
They should also have further developed the following skills
? written skills
? the ability to take part in group discussion
? the ability to present and defend arguments
? the ability to understand and analyse arguments

Assessment Information

The course will be assessed by class work and a final long essay (70%, max. 2000 words). Class work (30%) can be either a class presentation, or a short essay (max. 1300 words) due by week 9.