Plato

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

The Phaedo is one of Plato's most important and magnificent dialogues. The dialogue recounts the death of Socrates, and in the course of the narrative about Socrates' final day, fundamental aspects of Platonic philosophy (including the immortality of the soul, expositions of the theory of Forms, and aspects of Platonic epistemology) are revealed. At the same time, the artistry of the dialogue is mesmerizing in its larger thematic interests (including heroism in the broader literary tradition) and its use of language. Students will develop an appreciation of Plato's contributions to philosophy as well as to the Greek language.