The Trial and Death of Socrates

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The trial and death of Socrates is perhaps one of the most (in)famous events of philosophical martyrdom in Western history. As such it bears and repays close and repeated study in order to understand exactly who and what Socrates was, what happened to him, and what (if any) lessons the ancient event holds for our time. With such goals in mind, this course is devoted to a close reading and discussion of the four Platonic dialogues that revolve directly around the momentous events: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo.

Texts
  • Plato, Euthyphro
  • Plato, Apology
  • Plato, Crito
  • Plato, Phaedo
TAUGHT: JULY 2010, JANUARY 2016