CL 388 - Socratic Political Philosophy

(3.00 cr.)

Socrates, the first political philosopher, wrote nothing. His unique life and thought are known only through the writings of others-both friends and enemies. By reading works by Aristophanes, Plato, Xenophon, and Nietzsche, students seek to understand the Socratic way of life. The famous "Socratic turn" is examined-Socrates' move from natural philosophy toward political philosophy and the study of "the human things." Students also examine Socrates' quarrel with poets, the Sophists, and the political community itself. Was the Athenian democracy right to put Socrates to death? Finally, Socrates' relations with his friends and students are examined-how and what did he teach them. Same course as PS 388 .