Module Code
PH3222
Module Title
Greek Philosophy (Aristotle)
Semester
Semester 1, 2010/2011
Teaching Staff
Lisa RAPHALS
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The course introduces students to the philosophy of Aristotle (384-322 BCE) by way of a survey of
salient sections of his works (including: De Interpretatione, Posterior Analytics, Physics, Metaphysics,
Nicomachean Ethics and Politics). Readings include some exposure to later Hellenistic philosophy
(especially scepticism and stoicism) and Aristotle's key role in the history of science.
ASSESSMENT
1. Class work (20%). Includes: reading all assignments before class, attendance, active
participation in discussion, and, at instructor's option, spot quizzes or other in-class writing
exercises or take-home assignments. Attendance is expected at all class meetings.
NB: [I can break this down into 5% attendance and 15% presentation if you prefer]
2. Response paper (10%). A 3-5 page paper on an assigned topic, due as posted on the syllabus.
3. Term Paper (30%). One term paper ten (10) pages on a topic chosen from a list of suggested
topics or approved by the instructor. Papers are due as posted in the syllabus. Late papers will
be penalized one letter grade per day.
4. Final Exam of 2 Essays (40%)
READINGS



Terence Irwin and Gail Fine, Aristotle: Introductory Readings (Hackett, 1996)
G.E.R. Lloyd, Aristotle: the Growth and Structure of His Thought (Cambridge, 1968)
Additional readings, provided on the syllabus.
TENTATIVE SYLLABUS
Introductory Orientations
Week 1 Introduction
 Lloyd ch 1 and 3 (2 optional)
 Introductory Readings, Introduction
 Williams (optional)
22 | P a g e
Unit 1: Ethics
Week 2: Eudaimonia: happiness and the good life
 Nicomachean Ethics I.1-10 (Additional: Topics I.1-2)
 Lloyd ch 10 esp pp 202-214
 Martha Nussbaum, “Aristotle on Human Nature and the Foundations of Ethics”
 Martha Nussbuam, [from The Fragility of Goodness, TBD]
Week 3: Virtue
 Nicomachean Ethics I.13, II.1-7, III.1-5, V.1-2, 7
 Lloyd ch 10 pp. 214-24
 Philippa Foot, “Virtue and Vices”
 G. Santas, “Does Aristotle have a Virtue Ethics”
Week 4: Intellectual virtue and the Mean
 Nicomachean Ethics VI.1, 2, 5, 8, 12-13, VII.1-3;
 Lloyd ch. 10 217-225
 Richard Sorabji, “Aristotle on the Role of Intellect in Virtue”
Week 5 Friendship and Philosophy
 Nicomachean Ethics VIII.1-3, IX.8-9, X.6-8
 A. O. Rorty, “The Place of Contemplation in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics”
Week 6: Politics, the Political Animal, Citizenship
 Nicomachean Ethics X.9, Politics I.1-2, III. 1, 4, 9, II.1-1-2, 4, 5, VII, 1-2, 13, 15
 Lloyd ch. 11
Recess Week
Unit 2: Metaphysics, Epistemology and Science
Week 7 Aristotle as Philosopher of Nature
 Physics 1.7-8, II.1-9, VI.9, Parts of Animals I.1
 Lloyd chs. 4 and 5
Week 8 Psychology
 De An. [exact readings TBD]
 Lloyd ch. 9
Week 9 Physics and Philosophy of Science
 Physics I.1, Physics VIII.5-6
 Lloyd chs. 7 and 8
 Terrence Irwin, “Conditions for Science”
Week 10 Epistemology
 Posterior Analytics I.1-4, II.19
 A. Macintyre, “First Principles, Final Ends and Contemporary Philosophical Issues”
23 | P a g e
Week 11 Logical Fatalism, the Principle of Non-contradiction and their Consequences
 De Interpretatione 9, Metaphysics IV.3-5
 Lloyd ch. 6
Week 12 History of Philosophy and Metaphysics
 Metaphysics 1.1-4, 6, 9, Metaphysics XII.6, 7, 9, 10
Week 13 Review
24 | P a g e