Philosophical Readings in Virgil’s Aeneid

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In this thesis, I argue that an understanding of the philosophical context in which Virgil was writing can complicate and enrich our reading of the Aeneid. I aim to show that Virgil is not only making reference to philosophy, but also doing philosophy: he engages with, tests, and responds to philosophical ideas in a productive and challenging way. By way of introduction, I will give an outline of Virgil's philosophical context, and a justification for the general enterprise of philosophical readings in the Aeneid. I will then explain my methodology (what do I look for as a basis for individual philosophical readings, and what do these comprise?), and the aims of my study. I finally offer suggestions as to what this sort of analysis can contribute to Virgilian scholarship, and possible areas for further research