MSc Ancient Philosophy

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Comments about MSc Ancient Philosophy - At the institution - Edinburgh - Scotland

  • Entry requirements
    Entry Requirements A UK 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent from outside the UK) in a relevant discipline is normally required. In addition to the supporting documents requested on the application form, candidates are asked to submit a sample of written academic work and a personal statement.
  • Academic title
    MSc Ancient Philosophy
  • Course description
    The programme is offered jointly by the Schools of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences and History, Classics & Archaeology. The programme aims to introduce students to the main fields, topics and research methods in Ancient Philosophy. The programme will be accessible through any of the two schools, with a variety of courses offered by specialists in Philosophy, Classics, Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies and Divinity. The programme will be suitable for applicants with different previous backgrounds, most obviously in philosophy and classics, but also history, political theory, science, and literature.

    It is a taught degree combining seminar teaching on specific topics with individual research supervision. In this programme, the students will be exposed to the main doctrines and texts of ancient philosophy, mastering two kinds of analytical skills pertaining to philosophical arguments and historical (textual) sources. The degree is designed to provide a necessary preparation for further postgraduate research towards a doctoral degree or an academic background to a professional career outside academia.

    Learning Outcomes

    Students will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the main broad areas of ancient philosophy (Pre-Socratics, High Classics (Plato and Aristotle), Hellenistic philosophy, Late Antiquity) and medieval philosophy, specific types of philosophical thought (idealism, corporealism, naturalism, rationalism, skepticism) in their historical context. An important goal of the programme is to develop the ability to reconstruct, analyse and critically assess philosophical arguments and doctrines on the basis of a careful study of the text.

    For those planning to go on to a PhD in Ancient Philosophy, there will be an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of classical languages by taking the option of studying the course texts in the original language.

    How You Will Be Taught

    The programme is taught through a combination of small-group seminars and tutorials, one-on-one supervision and private study. The programme is examined through coursework and a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words.

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