Greek Philosophy
Overview
Greek philosophy remains foundational to the history of ideas in the Western and Eastern traditions. It has shaped disciplines as diverse as theology, ethics, politics, science, and metaphysics. In particular, the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and the later Hellenistic and Byzantine philosophers have exercised enduring influence on Christian theology, especially in the Patristic and medieval Byzantine periods.
Despite this, there is currently no higher education award in Australia dedicated specifically to Greek philosophy as an integrated program of study. Students typically encounter Greek philosophy only in isolated units within broader degrees in philosophy, classics, or theology. A targeted award in this field would provide a structured opportunity to engage with Greek philosophy both in its own right and in dialogue with theology and contemporary issues.
Undergraduate Units
W7105A Introduction to Philosophy: The Ancient Greek Tradition
This unit offers a comprehensive introduction to philosophy through a focused study of the Ancient Greek tradition. Beginning with the Pre-Socratics and culminating in the Hellenistic schools of thought, students will trace the emergence of key philosophical questions and concepts—concerning being, knowledge, ethics, the soul, and the cosmos—that continue to shape philosophical inquiry today.
W7106A Central Questions of Greek Philosophy
This unit explores the central questions that animated ancient Greek philosophy, focusing on their articulation, development, and enduring significance. Building on the historical and textual foundations laid in the introductory unit, students will examine core philosophical problems.
W7216A Plotinus and the Legacy of Neoplatonism
This unit focuses on Neoplatonic philosophers such as Plotinus and Proclus, and the development of metaphysical speculation that influenced Christian and Islamic thought.
W7291A The First Christian Philosophers
This unit explores how Greek philosophical categories shaped patristic theology, with figures such as Clement, Origen, and the Cappadocians.
Postgraduate Units
W8105A Introduction to Philosophy: The Ancient Greek Tradition
This unit offers a comprehensive introduction to philosophy through a focused study of the Ancient Greek tradition. Beginning with the Pre-Socratics and culminating in the Hellenistic schools of thought, students will trace the emergence of key philosophical questions and concepts—concerning being, knowledge, ethics, the soul, and the cosmos—that continue to shape philosophical inquiry today.
W8106A Analytical Foundations of Ancient Greek Philosophy
This unit explores the central questions that animated ancient Greek philosophy, focusing on their articulation, development, and enduring significance. Building on the historical and textual foundations laid in the introductory unit, students will examine core philosophical problems.
W9216A Plotinus and the Legacy of Neoplatonism
This unit focuses on Neoplatonic philosophers such as Plotinus and Proclus, and the development of metaphysical speculation that influenced Christian and Islamic thought.
W9291A The First Christian Philosophers
This unit explores how Greek philosophical categories shaped patristic theology, with figures such as Clement, Origen, and the Cappadocians.