Ancient Philosophy
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters Spring
- Course code
- FIL233
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- Norwegian or English
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
Spring 2026:
This year’s course is taught in Athens, and those of you who are registered for this trip, have already been informed.
To those who wish to take FIL233/FIL333 without the Athens trip, we offer an individualized setup. Please send an email to
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This course provides students with the opportunity for in depth study of central primary texts from classical antiquity, the period from around 600 BC to 500 AD. Plato and Aristotle are the two most central authors from this period, but texts by other authors may also be covered (e.g. the Pre-Socratics, Epicurus, the Stoics, Augustine). Students will become familiar with central philosophical problems of the period, and also obtain an understanding of the special character of its philosophy and its influence on later philosophy. Through secondary literature students will acquire knowledge of different interpretations of the ancient sources.
The course provides a solid foundation for studying the philosophy of later epochs, including contemporary philosophy.
Learning Outcomes
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.
Supervision of term paper: supervision is a voluntary offer and can occur individually or in groups.
The number of gatherings may be reduced if the number of students attending the course is less than 4. In that case, the students will be compensated with individual or group tutoring
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Forms of Assessment
A semester assignment paper of 3000- 5000 words (not including table of contents, list of references etc.) The topic of the paper must be approved in advance by the teacher of the course. . The semester assignment paper will be assessed at the end of the semester.
Exams in the course are held every semester.