Plato's Middle Dialogues
PHIL 302
Fall 2009 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
CCIV 302 |
In this seminar we will conduct an intensive study of several key works by Plato and thereby attempt to gain a better understanding of some of his main ideas, ideals, and lines of argument. We will study Plato as both philosopher and poet, private citizen and public intellectual. We will begin by examining the figure of Socrates, as well as the so-called Socratic method. We will then spend the bulk of the semester engaging in a close reading of several key dialogues from Plato's middle period, paying particular attention to the GORGIAS, PHAEDO, PHAEDRUS, and central books of the REPUBLIC. (The MENO and SYMPOSIUM are also likely to be the focus of our attention.) Topics to be covered include metaphysics, epistemology, psychology, ethics, rhetoric, religion, myth, dialectic, Eros (love), politics, writing, and philosophy itself. Finally (time permitting), in the last few weeks of the semester, we will discuss some of the hermeneutical problems, debates, and issues that arise in the study of Plato that have become a major concern of contemporary Plato scholarship. Our focus here--as well as throughout the seminar as a whole--will be to try to understand why Plato wrote dialogues and how he conceived of his writing. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA PHIL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Plato, FIVE DIALOGUES, translated by G. M. A. Grube & revised by J. Cooper (Hackett)
Plato, GORGIAS, translated by D. Zeyl (Hackett)
Plato, PHAEDRUS, translated by P. Woodruff & A. Nehamas (Hackett)
Plato, SYMPOSIUM, translated by P. Woodruff & A. Nehamas (Hackett)
Plato, REPUBLIC, translated by G. A. A. Grube & revised by C. D. C. Reeve (Hackett)
Other required readings will be made available on reserve (or via Blackboard).
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Examinations and Assignments:
Weekly writing assignments, including commentaries and reflection papers; regular class participation; in-class presentation; and a term paper. |
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