PHIL 200
(GH)
(CAMS 200)
Ancient Philosophy (3) Examines the thought and influence of major Western thinkers from the pre-Socratics to the neo-Platonists, emphasizing Plato and Aristotle.
PHIL (CAMS) 200 Ancient Philosophy (3)
(GH)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
PHIL (CAMS) 200 satisfies the GH requirement. As part of the history of philosophy sequence required of undergraduate philosophy majors, this course is designed to present students with a survey of ancient Western Philosophy beginning with the pre-Socratics, continuing with Plato (Socrates), Aristotle, and the post-Aristotelians, and concluding with neo-Platonists and early Christians. Emphasis will be placed on Plato and Aristotle. The class will examine the historical and cultural foundations from which ancient Western philosophy grew, and will explore issues which were focal points of ancient philosophy, such as the nature of reality, change, permanence, truth, form, and matter. Students will critically consider these issues in required comparison/contrast papers, a position paper, a collaborative project, and a comprehensive final exam. Students will also be evaluated on class participation. The course is prerequisite to Philosophy 400-level courses and it will be offered once a year with an enrollment of 35 students. For students studying ancient languages, particularly Greek, this course will offer an important exposure to the interpretation of philosophical text. For Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Studies majors, PHIL/CAMS fulfills the requirement under Supporting Courses for three credits in Greek or Roman literature and language, civilization, or archaeology; and it also fulfills the requirement for six credits for study at any level from an approved list in the general field of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.