Course Co-ordinator: Dr N Jezzi

Pre-requisite(s): None.

Note(s): This course will be available in 2012/13 as PH 452N.

This course explores some of the main ethical topics debated in Greek philosophy in its
first 500 years, covering some of the main schools and philosophers (Socrates, Plato,
Aristotle, the Stoics, the Epicureans). Through close readings of primary texts, student-led discussions, and short writing assignments, students will grapple with the following sorts of questions. Do we always have an overriding reason to be moral? Would we have such a reason if we were guaranteed that we could get away with doing evil? What is the difference between a good and a bad person? What is the difference between a good and
a bad life? How important is pleasure to happiness? To what extent is our happiness up to
us? What is the relationship between virtue and happiness? Can virtue be taught?

1 two-hour seminar per week.

1st Attempt: One 2,500-3,000 word essay (50%); one two-hour examination (50%).

Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates acheiving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment and should contact the Course Co-ordinator for further details.