Plato’s Gorgias

Graduate / Professional

Plato’s Gorgias contains the most sustained and dramatic encounter between Socratic philosophical conversation and rhetoric. This encounter sets the stage for some of Plato’s richest philosophical reflections on moral psychology and on the philosophy of philosophy. The course focuses on careful reading of the Gorgias with a view to engaging these philosophical topics. All readings are in translation, though a Greek reading group may be added for interested and suitably qualified students. Engaged, active student participation is expected. Class discussion typically starts from student questions circulated in advance. Prerequisite: some background in ancient philosophy. W 4pm-5:55pm