Final Exam for "Emperor and Slave"

• Facts to know for the Final:
• Epictetus started his life as a slave, while Marcus Aurelius was adopted by the emperor Antoninus and became emperor after him.
• Dates:
• Epictetus was born in the year _________ and died in the year _________.
  
• Marcus Aurelius was born in the year _________ and died in the year _________.
  
• Epicurus was born in the year _________ and died in the year _________. His "school" was called __________________ and was located in ___________.
  
• Development of Stoicism:
  
• ___________________ founded the stoic school of philosophy in the ____________century (BCE or CE?).
  
• ___________________ succeeded him as head of the school.
  
• The third head of the school was ______________________, who is the greatest mind behind stoicism, and perhaps one of the greatest philosophical minds in human history.
  
• Epicureanism and Stoicism are known as "Hellenistic" philosophies: when was the "Hellenistic Age"?
• The third major school of philosophy with origins in the Hellenistic age were the sceptics.
  
• Writers:
• How much did Chrysippus write and how much is left of it?
  
• What did Epictetus write? (trick question)
• Who was Arrian in relation to Epictetus?
• Marcus Aurelius wrote the Meditations in the last years of his life while on military campaign.

• Essays:
• Explain Stoic ethics to someone who knows nothing about it (but is otherwise intelligent).
• Explain the major differences and similarities between Stoic and Epicurean ethics. Although you should focus on ethics, you may expand beyond the scope of ethics if you think it will help explain the ethics (e.g. you may bring in theories of knowledge, causation, predetermination, materialism, etc.)
• NB: Good clear explanation is the most important part of this essay. References to Epictetus or Marcus Aurelius will also impress me.
  

• There may be a more creative short essay opportunity. If you are well prepared for the other essays, you will be well prepared for this one as well.

• You will have one hour and a half for this exam. If you think you need more time than other students, please explain your needs to me before the final so that I may accommodate them. Please plan your essays according to these time limits.

• In preparation for this essay, I recommend re-reading our readings for class. You may also enjoy reading the articles on Epicurus and Stoicism in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. If you are more eager to learn more, there are, of course, many books and articles on these philosophies available in the library. But for my money, rereading the readings is your best bet.