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CL2302 Socrates and Plato

This module explores the revolution in philosophical thinking initiated in Athens by Socrates (469-399 BC) in the latter half of the fifth century BC, and its further development by his creative disciple Plato (427-347 BC) during the first half of the fourth century BC. Weekly lectures discuss the intellectual context, central preoccupations, interpretative problems and defining features of Platonic philosophy through close readings of a selection of Plato's writings (Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Protagoras, Symposium and Phaedrus).
  • Module Organiser:
    • Dr Ashley Clements
  • Duration:
    • One term (Sept-Dec)
  • Contact Hours:
    • 19 (16 lectures twice weekly and 3 seminars)
  • Weighting:
    • 5 ECTS
  • Assessment:
    • 10% continuous assessment, 90% final examination

Introductory Reading

  • Benson, H. H. (2009) (ed.) A Companion to Plato. London.
  • Fine, G. (2008) (ed.) The Oxford Handbook of Plato. Oxford.
  • Rowe, C.J. (2007) Plato and the Art of Philosophical Writing. Cambridge.
  • Guthrie, W.K.C. (1971) A History of Greek Philosophy, Vol. 3. Socrates. Cambridge.
  • Guthrie, W.K.C. (1975) A History of Greek Philosophy, Vol. 4. Plato: The Man and his Dialogues: The Earlier Period. Cambridge.
  • Dialogues: The Earlier Period. Cambridge.

Required Texts

  • Tredennick, H. (ed.) (1961) Plato: The Last Days of Socrates. London. (Includes: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo).
  • Jowett, B. (ed.) (2000) Selected Dialogues of Plato. New York. (Includes: Ion, Protagoras, Phaedrus, Symposium).

Learning Outcomes

On successful conclusion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:

  • Benson, H. H. (2009) (ed.) A Companion to Plato. London.
  • Fine, G. (2008) (ed.) The Oxford Handbook of Plato. Oxford.
  • Rowe, C.J. (2007) Plato and the Art of Philosophical Writing. Cambridge.
  • Guthrie, W.K.C. (1971) A History of Greek Philosophy, Vol. 3. Socrates. Cambridge.
  • Guthrie, W.K.C. (1975) A History of Greek Philosophy, Vol. 4. Plato: The Man and his Dialogues: The Earlier Period. Cambridge.
  • Dialogues: The Earlier Period. Cambridge.