Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PL 4100 - The Philosophy of Plato


(3)
An examination of important philosophical themes as they develop in the dialogues of Plato. Attention is given to how the young Plato, much under the influence of Socrates (the early dialogues), struggles with moral, political and epistemological questions so as to develop in time (the middle and later dialogues) into an original metaphysician and moral thinker in his own right. Specific values issues include Plato’s views regarding individual and social justice, the good life, virtue, the common good, beauty and art; metaphysical issues include the nature of reality and knowledge (including Plato’s treatment of the world of forms and dialectical understanding), human nature and human destiny. Due to the peculiarities of Plato’s writings, some attention is given to contemporary interpretations of the dialogues.

Prerequisite: PL 1100  or PL 1150 .
(PLII)