Module VPR-1102:
Intro to Ancient Philosophy

Module Facts

Run by School of History, Law and Social Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Mr Henry Davies

Overall aims and purpose

The history of Western philosophy, it has been said, is a series of footnotes on Plato, and a knowledge of Plato’s most influential book, the Republic, is essential to an understanding of Western thought. This module examines the Republic in detail and students will be expected to acquire a close knowledge of the text, particularly with regard to key ideas such as the theory of Forms, the nature of justice and the three parts of the soul and to central passages such as the simile of the cave. Although the primary emphasis is on understanding Plato’s own ideas there will also be discussion of the application of his thought in contemporary philosophy.

Course content

This module examines Republic in detail and students will be expected to acquire a close knowledge of the text, particularly with regard to key ideas such as the theory of Forms, the nature of justice and the three parts of the soul. They will also be expected to pay close attention to central passages such as the simile of the cave. Although the primary emphasis is on understanding Plato’s own ideas there will also be discussion of the application of his thought in contemporary philosophy, particularly with regard to the concept of justice.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: - Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. - Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. - Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. - Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

good

Good C- - C +. Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Good structure and logically developed arguments. - At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Very Good B- - B+. Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Very good structure and logically developed arguments. - Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

excellent

A - - A*. Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: - Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. - Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. - Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning outcomes

  1. demonstrate a basic understanding of the key themes of the Republic including the theory of the Forms, the idea of justice and the three parts of the soul,

  2. show an awareness of the complexity and ambiguity involved in presenting philosophical arguments in dialogue form,

  3. show an awareness of the complexity and ambiguity involved in presenting philosophical arguments in dialogue form,

  4. show an awareness of the relevance of the Republic to contemporary debates in philosophy, particularly concerning the theory of justice,

  5. show ability to communicate ideas in oral and written form

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Text Analysis 50.00
Essay 50.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours

Courses including this module