PHL3890 - Science, happiness and death in Stoic and Epicurean philosophy

Leader(s): Dirk Baltzly

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Clayton Summer semester A 2009 (Off-campus)

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.

Objectives

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%

Contact hours

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

Prerequisites

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

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/philosophy/ugrad/units/phl3890.php