https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/W_BA_UNISThe aim of this course is for students to acquire in depth knowledge and understanding of key notions, practices, and theories of the ancient Stoics, by means of reading and commenting on different texts from that tradition. After completing this course, students will also have developed their skills of critical reading of complex philosophical argumentationshistorically and theoretically contextualizing philosophical debatespresentingacademic writingdiscussingDuring this course, we will discuss the origins and development of ancient Stoicism. The course will consist of four elements: The first and largest part of the course is devoted to reading a selection of texts about the early Stoics, their sources of inspiration, their strict ethics, as well as the underlying physics and epistemology, and the logic they developed. We will then study the development of Stoic philosophy in the Roman world, with its supposedly more practical approach. In the context of these first two elements, we will also discuss the criticism leveraged against Stoic philosophy by contemporaries, such as the ancient ScepticsFinally, we will briefly look into the reception and application of Stoicism in Renaissance and today.Interactive lecturesThere will be preparatory assignments for each class, such as discussion questions and a presentation [assessing learning objectives 1, 2.1-3, 2.5]. These assignments will not be graded, but they are required for completing the course (pass/fail). The final grade is based on one essay [assessing learning objectives 1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4], and an oral discussion of it in relation to the overall course contents [assessing learning objectives 1, 2.2, 2.5]. The essay constitutes 70% of the grade, and the discussion 30%. Both essay and discussion have to be sufficient. To pass the course, 70% of the preparatory assignments have to be completed, and both essay and discussion have to be sufficient (5.5 or higher). If the essay is not sufficient, a new essay, on a different topic, will have to be written for the official resit period, with a corresponding discussion. If the essay is sufficient, but the discussion is not, the discussion will have to be resat.Details and material will be made available via Canvas before the start of the course.This course is primarily intended for second and third year Philosophy bachelor students. Students of classics and ancient studies are also welcome. Other interested students: contact the teacher before enrolling.A completed introduction to Ancient Philosophy is required for participating in this course. If you have attended, but not passed such a course yet, contact the teacher. If you have only completed a general introduction to the history of philosophy, also contact the teacher. You may have to do some additional readings prior to attending the course.