Ancient arguments on modern topics: justice toward animals, human nature, and the distinction of sexes

Doctoral Course in Philosophy, Epistemology, and Human Sciences.

University of Cagliari, Department of Education, Psychology, and Philosophy.

Course title: Ancient arguments on modern topics: justice toward animals, human nature, and the distinction of sexes.

Number of hours: 6.

Teacher: Karolina Kochańczyk-Bonińska, Professor at SGMK (karolina.kochanczyk-boninska@sgmk.edu.pl; History of ancient philosophy PHIL-05/B).

Short bio/bibliography: Karolina Kochańczyk-Bonińska is an assistant professor at the Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School in Warsaw (SGMK). Her research focuses on late antique philosophy, particularly the relationship between Neoplatonic philosophy and Christian patristics.

Delivery method: In-person lectures and videoconference.

Meeting schedule:

May 19th, 2026:

• Ancient Arguments for Vegetarianism/Justice Toward Animals, 2:00-4:15 PM;
• The Unity of Human Nature and the Distinction of Sexes, 4:45-7:00 PM.

Classroom and/or link: 4A, MS Teams LINK.

Language: English.

Required prior knowledge: Good knowledge of the general outlines of the history of ancient philosophy, good knowledge of English.

Brief course description: The lectures will reconstruct some arguments in late ancient philosophy regarding vegetarianism, justice toward animals, and the relationship between the unity of human nature and gender distinction.