Unit of study_

PHIL2686: Greek Philosophy

2026 unit information

The world seems to be in constant flux-but does it really change, or are we merely deluded by appearances? Can humans overcome their basest instincts, or are we condemned to have our rational mind always defeated by the power of our irrational impulses? What does justice demand of us? Or is talk of justice itself just a ruse developed by the powerful to keep us in line? In this unit, we will examine how these topics were tackled as, in fact, interconnected problems within the philosophical systems of ancient Greece, chiefly focusing on the philosophers Parmenides, Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Arts and Social Sciences

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Philosophy
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
12 credit points at 1000 level in Philosophy or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Ancient History
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
PHIL2613 or PHIL3639
Assumed knowledge:
? 
None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Explain key figures and ideas in ancient Greek philosophy
  • LO2. Demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of ethics, epistemology and metaphysics
  • LO3. Articulate ideas with clarity of expression and exposition, in both oral and written form
  • LO4. Demonstrate awareness of the cultural context of Greek philosophy
  • LO5. Produce their own interpretations of key texts in Greek philosophy

Unit availability

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Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2026
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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