POLI 466

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Plato's Political Thought

Political Science College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Course Description

Plato's dialogues that contain political teachings or implications.

When Taught

Contact Department

Fixed/Max

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

0

Other Prerequisites

Poli 200.

Title

Philosophical Dialogue

Learning Outcome

Learn to read a philosophical dialogue, that is, to find insight, not in philosophical propositions alone, but in the interplay of characters and actions with the argument.

Title

Understand Plato's Philosophical Revolution

Learning Outcome

Understand how Plato carries on the philosophical revolution initiated by his teacher, Socrates, who brought philosophy down from the heavens to consider human things, especially politics and ethics.  

Title

Politics and Philosophy

Learning Outcome

Understand Plato's teaching on the deep interrelation between politics and philosophy – how political debate gives rise to philosophical questioning and how philosophy always has political implications.

Title

Interpret Plato's Dialogues

Learning Outcome

Learn to interpret and to be able to summarize the teaching of at least one longer dialogue (The Republic or The Laws) as well as one or more shorter dialogues (for example The Apology of Socrates, The Phaedo, The Symposium).