An intensive, systematic study of Plato’s Republic, its structure, arguments, and implications. In addition to the Republic, readings will include other Platonic dialogues, classical Greek texts, and topically relevant secondary literature. The purpose of the course will be to develop a thorough understanding of the Republic in its own terms, as well as its place in contemporary philosophical and political debates. Topics for discussion will include: the question of the historical Socrates; the relationship between literature and philosophy; the just life versus the life of self-interest and pleasure; the relationship between the personal and the political, and morality and politics; the status of feminism in the dialogue and the politics of the family; the compatibility of art and philosophy; arguments about and implications of the immortality of the soul. This team-taught interdisciplinary seminar will consider these issues through a variety of methodological lenses.
Spring 2012 (3): JC Klagge, L Plotica, AL Shuster R 2:00-5:00pm MAJWH 225