University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: TBC

This module will explore the ethical thought of the Hellenistic period, a key phase in the development of Graeco-Roman culture. We shall examine some of the most sophisticated and influential moral theories of antiquity, principally those of the Epicureans, Stoics and sceptics. The core text will be Cicero's On Moral Ends. The module will include the following topics: the nature and value of pleasure; friendship and society; the fear of death; virtue and vice; happiness; human development; moral psychology; life without beliefs. All primary texts will be available in English translation.

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take CL4502

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 x 1-hour seminars

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%


Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor A G Long
Module teaching staff: Dr A Long
Module coordinator email agl10@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Analyse and explain the ethical theories, debates and arguments of the Hellenistic period
• Recognise characteristic features of a wide range of Greek and Roman texts that evaluate and provide evidence for these theories, particularly Cicero's On Moral Ends
• Evaluate the modern revival of these theories, especially modern Stoicism
• Discuss these ethical theories in relation to their intellectual, cultural and political contexts
• Formulate sophisticated arguments about the interpretation and merit of ancient ethical theories.
• Select the most appropriate forms of evidence to support their arguments;