Sp28W Socratic Philosophizing: The Nature, Practice, and Defense of Philosophy (Hybrid: Zoom)

Zoom | Available (Membership Required)

N/A

4/17/2024-6/5/2024

9:30 AM-11:00 AM EDT on Wed

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[NEW COURSE] A central theme of Plato’s philosophy is the conflict between Athenian politics and Socratic philosophizing, culminating in the trial and execution of Socrates in 399 BCE Plato defends Socrates in four dialogues. Euthyphro defends Socrates against the sacredness of the family: Apology (defense) of Socrates defends Socrates against charges of impiety and corruption of the young. Crito defends Socrates against the charge of challenging the law. Phaedo defends Socrates against misology (hatred of arguments). These defenses include accounts of Socratic dialectic and Plato’s metaphysics and theory of knowledge. No prior acquaintance with philosophy is needed to take this course. Discussion, Lecture

  • Required Text: Plato: Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo, translated by G. M. A. Grube and revised by John M. Cooper, ISBN 0872206335  

     

    *This registration item is for attending class via Zoom and NOT IN-PERSON. You CANNOT attend this course in the building if you choose this registration item.*

     

    [NEW COURSE LEADER]

Walt Soffer, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of Philosophy at SUNY Geneseo and recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. His teaching and publications have been principally in the areas of ancient philosophy, modern philosophy, phenomenology and existentialism, history of political philosophy, philosophy of religion, interdisciplinary humanities, and ethics.