- Inter-faculty Studies in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Computer Science
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Mathematics
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Computer Science
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Mathematics
Therapeia psyches. The practical dimension of ancient philosophy 3501-S-THPS-OG
The seminar focuses on one of the pivotal issues of ancient philosophy. The paradigm, according to which ancient philosophy had not only theoretical, but also practical dimension, which consisted on shaping the way of philosopher's thinking and living, will be discussed throughout the seminar. Such point of view is shared by many scholars, among which P. Rabbow, Ilsetraut Hadot, P. Hadot, M. Foucault, Martha Nussbaum or J. Domański may be singled out. In antiquity, philosophy and medicine were repeatedly juxtaposed, and the categories of therapeia or askesis took on fundamental meaning. It becomes more obvious when we look at such various thinkers as Plato, for whom medicine is the model of techne, or Epicurus, who reduces philosophy to its function of tetrapharmakos (the fourfold cure). The practical dimension of ancient philosophy is also visible in its literary genres, which are designed in order to engage the readers and act persuasively upon them (e.g. exhortation, dialogue, consolation, diatribe). This concept of philosophy is already apparent in the Presocratics (Pythagoras, Democritus), nevertheless the paradigm is thoroughly developed by Socrates and Plato, and it becomes dominating during the Hellenistic and Graeco-Roman period. The seminar aims at presenting various aspects of the issue, including its cultural context. Source texts (philosophical, scientific, literary), as well as secondary literature, will be analyzed and discussed.
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
knowledge
- acquiring an advanced comprehension of ancient philosophy
abilities
- following and articulating arguments used by ancient and philosophers
- critical reflection on ideas and evaluating arguments
- the ability of close reading and analyzing ancient source texts
social skills
- the ability to think independently
- sharing knowledge with others in discussions
Assessment criteria
-attendance
-active class participation
-a brief presentation or an essay
Bibliography
Primary texts:
Filozofia przedsokratejska, G.S.Kirk, J.E.Raven, M.Schofield, przeł. J.Lang, Warszawa 1999.
Korpus hippokratejski (wybór)
Platon, Gorgiasz, Państwo
Arystoteles, Etyka Nikomachejska (wybór), Retoryka
Stoicorum veterum fragmenta (wybór)
Lukrecjusz, O naturze rzeczy
Muzoniusz Rufus, Diatryby
Epiktet, Diatryby, Encheiridion
Marek Aureliusz, Rozmyślania (do siebie samego)
Galen (wybór)
Seneka, Listy (wybór), Dialogi (O spokoju ducha, O niezłomności mędrca), Zagadnienia przyrodnicze
Plutarch, O pogodzie ducha, O wygnaniu
Plotyn, Enneady (wybór)
Porfiriusz, List do Marcelli
Jamblich, Protreptyk
Boecjusz, O pocieszeniu, jakie daje filozofia
Secondary texts:
*Annas J.E., Philosophical Therapy, Ancient and Modern, [in:] Bioethics. Ancient Themes in Contemporary Issues, M.G.Kurczewski, R.Polansky [eds.], MIT 2000.
*Domański J., 'Scholastyczne' i 'humanistyczne' pojęcie filozofii, Kęty 2005
*Foucault M., 'Sobąpisanie', przeł. M.P.Markowski [w:] Szaleństwo i literatura, Warszawa 1999.
*Gill Ch., Ancient Psychotherapy, 'Journal of the History of Ideas', 46, 1985, 307-325.
*Hadot P., Filozofia jako ćwiczenie duchowe, przeł. P.Domański, Warszawa 2003.
*Hadot P., Twierdza wewnętrzna. Wprowadzenie do 'Rozmyślań' Marka Aureliusza, przeł. P.Domański, Kęty 2004.
*Lain Entralgo P., The Therapy of the Word in Classical Antiquity, Yale UP 1970.
*Nehamas A., The Art of Living. Socratic Reflections from Plato to Foucault, University of California Press 1998.
*Nussbaum M.C., The Therapy of Desire. Theory and Practice in Hellenistic Ethics, Princeton UP 1996.
*Stephens, W.O., Epictetus on How the Stoic Sage Loves, 'Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy' 14, 1996, 193-210.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
- Inter-faculty Studies in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Computer Science
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Mathematics
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Computer Science
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Mathematics
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: