Hidden voices, brilliant minds: women who shaped ancient philosophy
This course shines a light on the remarkable achievements of women philosophers, examining their ground-breaking ideas and enduring influence on philosophy, science, and culture, and recognising thinkers whose intellectual contributions have too often been overlooked.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course restores five remarkable women to a philosophical landscape from which they have too often been erased, recognising their vital contributions to the development of culture, science, and epistemology, and revealing a lineage of intellectual brilliance long pushed to the margins. Through engaging discussion and close attention to their work, you will encounter thinkers whose influence ranged from shaping Socratic dialogue and Cynic ethics to advancing musical theory, mathematics, astronomy, and Neoplatonism. These women were not only original philosophers but also compelling teachers who drew students, followers, and critics from across the Mediterranean world. Each session highlights how their intellectual achievements and cultural impact continue to resonate, offering a richer and more inclusive picture of the ancient philosophical tradition.
What will we cover?
Main philosophers that will be studied (with approximate birth dates):
Aspasia of Miletus (c. 470 BC)
Hipparchia of Maroneia (c. 350 BC)
Ptolemais of Cyrene (c. 2nd century BC)
Sosipatra of Ephesus (c. 325 AD)
Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 355 AD)
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Examine the social, cultural, and intellectual environments in which these five women philosophers lived and worked.
Critically explore the key ideas and writings of Aspasia, Hipparchia, Ptolemais, Sosipatra, and Hypatia.
Identify connections and contrasts between these women’s philosophies and broader philosophical traditions, including Cynicism, Neoplatonism, and classical Greek thought.
Recognise and articulate the contributions of these philosophers to epistemology, ethics, science, and cultural development and apply philosophical ideas in historical and contemporary contexts.
Develop specialised terminology and philosophical language relevant to the course, critical thinking skills, analytical rigour and discussion skills.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to everyone, whether you are completely new to philosophy or already have some experience. What matters most is not prior knowledge, but curiosity, an open mind, and a readiness to listen to and engage with ideas, even when they challenge your own assumptions. A willingness to think together, ask questions, and explore unfamiliar perspectives will be far more valuable than any particular level of expertise. The aim of the course is to develop fundamental linguistic and analytical skills essential for fostering critical discussion and a clear understanding of philosophical concepts and theories.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive activities and multimedia resources will be used throughout to support active learning and lively discussion. Occasionally there will be some readings to be completed outside the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. You may wish to bring a notebook to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in Cristina's next courses, HP274 - Hippocrates of Kos: between science and myth and HP249 - JS Mill's 'On Liberty': an ode to intellectual curiosity, tolerance and open-mindedness.
Cristina holds two Honours Degrees in Philosophy and Science of Education with History. She worked as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Cagliari in Italy, focussing on classical and modern European and Asian philosophy with a particular emphasis on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy. She moved to the UK in 1994 and taught at universities, adult education institutions, and secondary schools, as well as successfully assumed leadership roles, including that of a head of department. In addition to teaching at City Lit, Cristina is the coordinator of Italian at Imperial College. Her teaching style is engaging and transformative, characterised by interactive strategies tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles. Cristina’s commitment to incorporate human rights into the fabric of her teachings symbolises her conviction in the practical implications of philosophical theories and her belief in the real-world implications of philosophical ideas. For Cristina philosophy isn't just an academic pursuit, it is a means to foster critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/hidden-voices-brilliant-minds-women-who-shaped-ancient-philosophy3054226Hidden voices, brilliant minds: women who shaped ancient philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/p/hp297.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy22851177140415791228511771404<p>This course shines a light on the remarkable achievements of women philosophers, examining their ground-breaking ideas and enduring influence on philosophy, science, and culture, and recognising thinkers whose intellectual contributions have too often been overlooked.</p>003054220Hidden voices, brilliant minds: women who shaped ancient philosophy239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/p/hp297_1.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHP297239239Hidden voices, brilliant minds: women who shaped ancient philosophy191155239Cristina Paternohidden-voices-brilliant-minds-women-who-shaped-ancient-philosophy/hp297-2627<p>This course shines a light on the remarkable achievements of women philosophers, examining their ground-breaking ideas and enduring influence on philosophy, science, and culture, and recognising thinkers whose intellectual contributions have too often been overlooked.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-12 00:00:00<p>This course restores five remarkable women to a philosophical landscape from which they have too often been erased, recognising their vital contributions to the development of culture, science, and epistemology, and revealing a lineage of intellectual brilliance long pushed to the margins. Through engaging discussion and close attention to their work, you will encounter thinkers whose influence ranged from shaping Socratic dialogue and Cynic ethics to advancing musical theory, mathematics, astronomy, and Neoplatonism. These women were not only original philosophers but also compelling teachers who drew students, followers, and critics from across the Mediterranean world. Each session highlights how their intellectual achievements and cultural impact continue to resonate, offering a richer and more inclusive picture of the ancient philosophical tradition.</p><p>This course shines a light on the remarkable achievements of women philosophers, examining their ground-breaking ideas and enduring influence on philosophy, science, and culture, and recognising thinkers whose intellectual contributions have too often been overlooked.</p><p>Main philosophers that will be studied (with approximate birth dates):</p><ul><li>Aspasia of Miletus (c. 470 BC)</li><li>Hipparchia of Maroneia (c. 350 BC)</li><li>Ptolemais of Cyrene (c. 2nd century BC)</li><li>Sosipatra of Ephesus (c. 325 AD)</li><li>Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 355 AD)</li></ul><ul><li>Examine the social, cultural, and intellectual environments in which these five women philosophers lived and worked.</li><li>Critically explore the key ideas and writings of Aspasia, Hipparchia, Ptolemais, Sosipatra, and Hypatia.</li><li>Identify connections and contrasts between these women’s philosophies and broader philosophical traditions, including Cynicism, Neoplatonism, and classical Greek thought.</li><li>Recognise and articulate the contributions of these philosophers to epistemology, ethics, science, and cultural development and apply philosophical ideas in historical and contemporary contexts.</li><li>Develop specialised terminology and philosophical language relevant to the course, critical thinking skills, analytical rigour and discussion skills.</li></ul><p>This course is open to everyone, whether you are completely new to philosophy or already have some experience. What matters most is not prior knowledge, but curiosity, an open mind, and a readiness to listen to and engage with ideas, even when they challenge your own assumptions. A willingness to think together, ask questions, and explore unfamiliar perspectives will be far more valuable than any particular level of expertise. The aim of the course is to develop fundamental linguistic and analytical skills essential for fostering critical discussion and a clear understanding of philosophical concepts and theories.</p><p>Interactive activities and multimedia resources will be used throughout to support active learning and lively discussion. Occasionally there will be some readings to be completed outside the class.</p><p>No other costs. You may wish to bring a notebook to take notes.</p><p>You might be interested in Cristina's next courses, HP274 - Hippocrates of Kos: between science and myth and HP249 - JS Mill's 'On Liberty': an ode to intellectual curiosity, tolerance and open-mindedness.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyvirtual191239155HP297NONEMon12/10/26 - 30/11/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:458 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetCristina PaternoBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-12T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities239239Hidden voices, brilliant minds: women who shaped ancient philosophyhidden-voices-brilliant-minds-women-who-shaped-ancient-philosophy/hp297-2627<p>This course shines a light on the remarkable achievements of women philosophers, examining their ground-breaking ideas and enduring influence on philosophy, science, and culture, and recognising thinkers whose intellectual contributions have too often been overlooked.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-12 00:00:00<p>This course restores five remarkable women to a philosophical landscape from which they have too often been erased, recognising their vital contributions to the development of culture, science, and epistemology, and revealing a lineage of intellectual brilliance long pushed to the margins. Through engaging discussion and close attention to their work, you will encounter thinkers whose influence ranged from shaping Socratic dialogue and Cynic ethics to advancing musical theory, mathematics, astronomy, and Neoplatonism. These women were not only original philosophers but also compelling teachers who drew students, followers, and critics from across the Mediterranean world. Each session highlights how their intellectual achievements and cultural impact continue to resonate, offering a richer and more inclusive picture of the ancient philosophical tradition.</p><p>This course shines a light on the remarkable achievements of women philosophers, examining their ground-breaking ideas and enduring influence on philosophy, science, and culture, and recognising thinkers whose intellectual contributions have too often been overlooked.</p><p>Main philosophers that will be studied (with approximate birth dates):</p><ul><li>Aspasia of Miletus (c. 470 BC)</li><li>Hipparchia of Maroneia (c. 350 BC)</li><li>Ptolemais of Cyrene (c. 2nd century BC)</li><li>Sosipatra of Ephesus (c. 325 AD)</li><li>Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 355 AD)</li></ul><ul><li>Examine the social, cultural, and intellectual environments in which these five women philosophers lived and worked.</li><li>Critically explore the key ideas and writings of Aspasia, Hipparchia, Ptolemais, Sosipatra, and Hypatia.</li><li>Identify connections and contrasts between these women’s philosophies and broader philosophical traditions, including Cynicism, Neoplatonism, and classical Greek thought.</li><li>Recognise and articulate the contributions of these philosophers to epistemology, ethics, science, and cultural development and apply philosophical ideas in historical and contemporary contexts.</li><li>Develop specialised terminology and philosophical language relevant to the course, critical thinking skills, analytical rigour and discussion skills.</li></ul><p>This course is open to everyone, whether you are completely new to philosophy or already have some experience. What matters most is not prior knowledge, but curiosity, an open mind, and a readiness to listen to and engage with ideas, even when they challenge your own assumptions. A willingness to think together, ask questions, and explore unfamiliar perspectives will be far more valuable than any particular level of expertise. The aim of the course is to develop fundamental linguistic and analytical skills essential for fostering critical discussion and a clear understanding of philosophical concepts and theories.</p><p>Interactive activities and multimedia resources will be used throughout to support active learning and lively discussion. Occasionally there will be some readings to be completed outside the class.</p><p>No other costs. You may wish to bring a notebook to take notes.</p><p>You might be interested in Cristina's next courses, HP274 - Hippocrates of Kos: between science and myth and HP249 - JS Mill's 'On Liberty': an ode to intellectual curiosity, tolerance and open-mindedness.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyconfigurable
15791404Philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/philosophy1/2/285/1177/1404/15791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy
