Assessment

2 minor essays 25% each, 1 final essay 50%

Module Aims

This module is an introduction to aspects of ancient Greek philosophy. Its aim is threefold. First, it seeks to introduce, arguably, the two most important pre-Socratic philosophers: Heraclitus and Parmenides, focusing on the question of Being/becoming. Second, it focuses on the figure of Socrates and the erotic nature of philosophizing in select Platonic dialogue. Third, it focuses on the scholarship of Hadot to further hone in on the figure of Socrates and, most especially, his treatment of Greek philosophy as a way of life and spiritual exercise.

Learning Outcomes

• — -Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the texts under discussion.
• — -Read and explicate a primary philosophical text.
• — -Conceptually explain the difference between Parmenides and Heraclitus on the question of Being/becoming
• — -Articulate the role of the figure of Socrates in selected Platonic dialogues.
• — -Conceptually explain the erotic nature of philosophizing as depicted in Phaedrus
• — -Conceptually explain what Hadot means by philosophy as a “way of life” and/or spiritual practice.