[Philosophy] Two questions

[Richard O'Donovan]

Hi Ian,
 
I'm no Greek scholar, but as for your second question my understanding is that the Ancient Greek view changed with time.  Originally Hades (the God) took possession of all souls once they departed here and crossed the River Styxx into the Underworld.  There were different views of what this was like, but one of the more common beliefs involved a kind of layover of a 1000 years or so before the soul took another body - reincarnation in other words.  Later - and what carried over into the Roman empire I believe - there was the notion of the Elyssian fields where 'good' souls went, while the 'bad' souls were stuck with Hades in the Underworld and tormented - hence our modern conception of Hades as Hell.
 
As for your first question, the practicalities of writing exam questions to cover all of the possible traditions explored across the state means that there aren't any (exam questions that is).  This is one of the Mickey Mouse aspects of the course in my view, and seems to be an area dealt with in a fairly minimalist way by teachers at various schools.  So I wouldn't put too much energy into it if I were you!
 
Hope that helps a little.
 
Richard

________________________________

From: philosophy-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Ian Wilmoth
Sent: Fri 26-May-06 12:32 PM
To: philosophy at edulists.com.au
Subject: [Philosophy] Two questions



Hi All,

Couple of questions about Units 3 & 4 Philosophy:

1. Other ancient traditions are meant to be part of the course, yet I can't see that they have come up directly in past exams. Do other teachers cover this area in much detail and, if so, what texts do you use? And while ancient traditions are referred to as part of Unit 3 and the Good Life, they could equally be relevant to Unit 4 in relation to dualism.  Should they be discussed in relation to both?

2. In relation to Mind, Body and Soul, what do the Greeks say about where the soul goes to after death? Does it go first to Hades, then to the next world, and then back again?  If it comes back again, where does it come back to and why?

Any help on either of these questions would help me, a first year teacher, who is teaching outside my methods on this one.

Cheers,

Ian.


Ian Wilmoth

ian at ianwilmoth.com
0407 819177
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