Ancient Philosophy

The Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Philosophy at Western University offers students an in-depth exploration of the philosophical traditions of antiquity, encompassing the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum that examines fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality as conceived by some of the most influential thinkers in Western history. Students will study primary texts and original writings of renowned philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, and the Stoics, gaining insight into their ideas and their enduring influence on contemporary thought. The program emphasizes critical thinking, textual analysis, and historical contextualization, enabling students to develop a nuanced understanding of ancient philosophical doctrines and their relevance today. Throughout their studies, students will engage with both primary sources and modern interpretations, fostering analytical skills and philosophical inquiry. The curriculum includes courses in ancient metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, and epistemology, as well as thematic seminars that explore topics like virtue, justice, and the nature of the soul. In addition to academic coursework, students have opportunities for research projects, presentations, and participation in seminars led by experts in the field. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, linking ancient philosophy to studies in history, literature, and the arts. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped for careers in education, research, public philosophy, or further advanced studies in philosophy or related disciplines. The Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Philosophy at Western University is designed to cultivate critical reasoning, historical awareness, and intellectual curiosity, preparing students to contribute thoughtfully to contemporary debates and to appreciate the profound legacy of antiquity in shaping Western intellectual heritage.

• Aristotle's Metaphysics
• Thinking Matter in the Seventeenth Century
• Human Rights
• Philosophy of Mind
• Survey of Philosophy of Science
• Cosmology
• Intensive Course (Philosophy of Science)
• Feminist Bioethics
• The Development of Plato's Political Philosophy
• Grotius and Hobbes
• Theories of Global Justice
• Toleration
• Prospectus Course
• Epistemology of Experimentation
• Philosophy of Biology (joint course w/ Biology program)
• Problems in Philosophy of Language

Requirements

• Honours Bachelor's degree in either Philosophy or Classics.
• Average grade of B+ or higher in the last two years or last ten half courses of the undergraduate degree.
• Students will also normally be required to have taken courses in at least one ancient language (Greek or Latin) completed at the equivalent of the 2000-level courses offered at Western. In exceptional circumstances, students will be considered for admission with language preparation completed at the 1000-level.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum acceptable score is 550 for the paper and pencil version, 213 for the computer version, or 86 for the internet version with no individual score below 20. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
• The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Minimum acceptable score is 6 out of 9.
• Online applications must include two letters of reference, a statement of academic interests (250-500 words), a recent writing sample (10-15 pages, double-spaced), one copy of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate studies, and payment of the required non-refundable fee of $100 CDN. 

Scholarships

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Ancient Philosophy at Western University offers students an in-depth exploration of the philosophical ideas, texts, and figures from the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers key themes such as metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, and epistemology as they were developed by foundational thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, and the Stoics. Students have the opportunity to analyze original texts in their original languages, supported by expert faculty members specialized in classical studies and philosophy. The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of how ancient philosophical ideas have influenced modern intellectual traditions. Courses often include seminars, lectures, and research projects, encouraging active participation and scholarly inquiry. In addition to core philosophical courses, students can choose from related subjects such as history, literature, and classical studies to gain interdisciplinary insights. The program may also include opportunities for study abroad or research at classical sites to enhance experiential learning. Graduates of the Ancient Philosophy program are well-equipped for careers in academia, education, publishing, or fields that value critical thinking and historical knowledge. The university supports student engagement through philosophy clubs, conferences, and publishing opportunities, fostering a vibrant academic community focused on classical thought. The main objective of the program is to provide a thorough understanding of ancient philosophical traditions and their relevance in contemporary debates, encouraging students to develop their own philosophical perspectives informed by the rich heritage of ancient thinkers.