This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
There’s a reason they killed Socrates — No one likes to have their principles questioned! Are you ready to challenge yourself and ask the hard questions? In this course we will read four famous short works by the philosopher Plato, namely, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo, which recount the condemnation and execution of the philosopher Socrates, as well as the philosophical conversations he allegedly had in his last days.
Total classes: 12
Prerequisite: None. However, the course Plato: An Introductory Reading is recommended.
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th
Suggested credit: 1 full semester Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, or Ethics
Description
There’s a reason they killed Socrates — No one likes to have their principles questioned! Are you ready to challenge yourself and ask the hard questions? In this course we will read four famous short works by the philosopher Plato, namely, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo, which recount the condemnation and execution of the philosopher Socrates, as well as the philosophical conversations he allegedly had in his last days. The topics they cover range from matters of moral obligation, citizenship, the soul, and the meaning of life, heavily influencing the history of western thought. Class lectures and discussions will cover the texts in careful detail so students have enough opportunity to grow more accustomed to reading philosophy.
Outline
Week 1 – Introduction
Week 2 through 3 – Euthyphro: Socrates before his trial (2a-16a)
Week 4 through 6 – Apology: Socrates during his trial (17a-42a)
Week 7 through 8 – Crito: Socrates in jail (43a-54e)
Week 9 through 12 – Phaedo: Socrates at his execution (57a-118a)
Materials and Homework
Course Materials:
Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo by Plato, translated by G.M.A. Grube, revised by John M. Cooper (Hackett) ISBN-10: 0872206335 / ISBN-13: 978-0872206335
OR
More expensive option (However, a very good deal, especially if you plan to read other works by Plato): Plato: Complete Works by Plato, edited by John M. Cooper and D.S. Hutchinson (Hackett) ISBN-10: 0872203492 / ISBN-13: 978-0872203495
Note: Get the printed versions because electronic versions might lack the Stephanus numbering in the margins, which this course uses to assign the readings.
Homework: Homework will involve daily reading assignments and answering open-book review questions. There will also be occasional closed-book quizzes.
