Course Syllabus: Ancient Ethics 2012-13
Instructor: Julie Ponesse (jponesse@brockport.edu)
Course description:
This course examines theories of virtue and the good in ancient thinkers. This
term, we will focus on Aristotle’s ethics, in particular, using his Nicomachean
Ethics as our main text, but comparisons will be made with the views of Plato and
of Hellenistic philosophers. Topics discussed will include the human good, moral
and intellectual virtues, responsibility, pleasure, friendship, and the place of
philosophy in the good life. The impact of ancient theories of virtue on later
thought will also be considered.
1. Intended learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should have acquired an understanding of some
major issues in ancient theories of virtue, an understanding of how these issues
relate to continuing debates, and an ability to read closely, and analyze and
criticize ancient philosophical texts. You should also have further developed
written skills, and the ability to participate in online group discussions and defend
arguments.
2. Lecture Topics
Week 1 (Jan. 28-Feb. 1). Introduction to Aristotle and to major themes of ancient
ethics. No required reading: reference may be made to Aristotle, Nicomachean
Ethics. I.1-3 and X.9.
Week 2 (Feb.4-8). The human good. Nicomachean Ethics I, especially chapters
1-5, 7-10, 13.
Week 3 (Feb. 11-15). Moral virtue and the doctrine of the mean. Nicomachean
Ethics II, and III. 6-9.; see also III.10-12 and IV.
Week 4 (Feb. 18-22). The voluntary, choice, responsibility. Nicomachean Ethics
III.1-5.
Week 5 and 6 (Feb. 25-March 8). Justice. Nicomachean Ethics V, especially
chapters 1-4, 6-9, 11.
Week 7 (March 11-15). Intellectual virtue and practical reasoning. Nicomachean
Ethics VI, especially chapters 1-8, 11-13.
Week 8 (March 18-22). Akrasia (lack of self-control). Nicomachean Ethics VII,
especially chapters 1-3, 7-8.
Week 9 (March 25-29). Pleasure. Nicomachean Ethics VII, 11-14, and X. 1-5.
Week 10 and 11 (April 1-12). Friendship. Nicomachean Ethics VIII and IX,
especially VIII.1-6, 8. IX.4-6. 8-9, 12.
Week 12 and 13(April 15-26). Contemplation; philosophy and the good life.
Nicomachean Ethics X. 6-8.
Week 14 (April 29-May 3). The impact of ancient ethics on modern thought
*No new readings for Week 15 (May 6-11)
3. Required Reading.
The primary reading for the course is Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, which is
available in numerous editions. The best are:
(i) Crisp, Roger. Nicomachean Ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2000.
(ii) Rowe, Christopher. Nicomachean Ethics, Oxford: Oxford University
Press, 2002. With introduction and commentary by Sarah Broadie.
(iii) Irwin, Terence. Nicomachaen Ethics, 2nd ed. Hackett Publishing Co.,
1999.
*To obtain the course reading, you can either purchase one of these texts
independently (from an online seller or you may find copies in LiftBridge
Bookstore downtown Brockport) or work from the e-copy posted on the
“Lessons” page*
Optional secondary reading:
(i) D.S. Hutchinson. ‘Ethics’ in J. Barnes, ed., The Cambridge Companion to
Aristotle. J. Annas, The Morality of Happiness.
(ii) T. Irwin, The Development of Ethics (vol. 1). G. Hughes, Routledge
Philosophy Guidebook to Aristotle on Ethics.
(iii) S. Broadie, Ethics with Aristotle. A.O. Rorty, ed. Essays on Aristotle’s
Ethics.
(iv) R. Kraut, ed. The Blackwell Guide to Aristotle’s Ethics.
(v) L.P. Gerson, ed. Aristotle: Critical Assessments, vol. 3. G. (vi)
Anagnostopoulos, ed. A Companion to Aristotle. (Contains articles on each
major topic from the Ethics.)
4. Course Requirements:
Students will be assessed by the following:
(i) Series of discussion posts (5, 6% each)
(ii) Mid semester essay, max. 1000 words (Due: March 1)
(iii) Final Essay, max. 1500 words (Due: May 11)
30%
30%
40%
Discussion posts:
For each week (refer to the reading list above) of the course, a discussion
question will be posted in the “Discussion Forum” on the “Communications”
page. You are required to respond to 5 of these throughout the course.
Word Count Penalties
Essays must not exceed the word limits, which includes footnotes but excludes
bibliography. The precise word count must be written on the coversheet.
Overlong essays will be penalized according to the following rule: 5% will be
deducted for every 100 words, or part thereof, over the word limit. So, 1-100
words over lose 5%; 101-200 words over lose 10%; 201-300 words over lose
15%; and so on.
Penalties for Late Submission of Essays
Unless an extension has been granted, essays must be submitted by the dates
shown above. Essays submitted late without an extension may not be marked,
but, if marked, will incur a penalty. For each working day that the work is late
there will be a reduction of the mark by 5%. This penalty applies for up to five
working days, after which a mark of zero will be given.
5. Marking Scheme
A (93- 100):
Outstanding in every respect, the work is well beyond the level expected of a
competent student at their level of study.
 Shows creative, subtle, and/or original independent thinking
 Demonstrates breadth of knowledge and deep understanding of the subject
matter
 Draws on the relevant literature base
 Demonstrates an excellent standard of synthesis and evaluation and a
critical and insightful analysis of the literature
 Is well focused, with concentration on the main issues to be addressed
 Presents a compelling case by means of clear logically structured argument
or debate, well supported with evidence
 Is written with flair
 Has, where appropriate, complete and correct referencing
 Is nearly flawless in grammar and spelling
B (83-86):
Good or very good in most respects, the work displays thorough competence of
the relevant learning outcomes.
 Demonstrates a good understanding of the area in question
 Draws on adequate references
 Demonstrates good synthesis, analysis, reflection and evaluation of the
literature
 Concentrates on the main issues to be addressed
 Presents an adequate case by means of clear, well structured, logical
argument supported with evidence.
 Has, where appropriate, complete and correct referencing of sources
 Shows a good standard of grammar and spelling
C (73-76):
Fair. The work has significant promise but fails to meet requirements for
demonstrating the relevant learning outcomes.
 Shows evidence of sufficient knowledge and understanding of the material
 Uses references appropriately to support the argument, though they may be
limited in number or reflect restricted reading.
 Demonstrates limited critical analysis and evaluation of sources of
evidence.
 Addresses the area in question clearly and coherently
 Has satisfactory structure, presentation, and expression
 Has, where appropriate, complete referencing of sources, though there may
be minor flaws in referencing technique
D (63-66):
Poor. The work fails to meet minimum requirements for demonstrating the
relevant learning outcomes.
 Demonstrates a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding but at a
basic level, and there may be minor inaccuracies
 Lacks detail, elaboration or explanation of concepts and ideas.
 Displays limited synthesis and analysis of the literature
 Presents a highly descriptive account of the topic with no real critical
analysis
 Presents a weak argument which is not logically structured or which lacks
clarity or is based on unsubstantiated statements
 Has, where appropriate, complete referencing of sources, though there may
be flaws in referencing technique.
 Spelling or grammatical errors affect the clear expression of the paper’s
ideas
E (<60):
The work is very weak or shows a decided lack of effort, and fails to meet
minimum requirements for demonstrating the relevant learning outcomes.
 Displays very poor or confused knowledge and understanding
 Does not address the topic in question
 Presents no argument or one based on irrelevant and erroneous content
 Displays an unacceptable academic writing style and /or presentation
 Has incomplete or inadequately presented references, if any