PHL3890

Science, happiness and death in stoic and epicurean philosophy

(ART)

Dirk Baltzly

6 points + 2 hours per week + OCDL (every semester)

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.

Assessment: Two essays (2250 words each): 50% each + Option to replace one essay by a 3 hour examination