Plato

Aims

This first six weeks will focus on studying Plato's Meno with additonal readings from Euthyphro and Phaedo. Investigation of these dialogues—which feature Plato’s teacher Socrates in discussion with various citizens of Athens—will introduce us to the practice of analysis (asking “What is X?” questions), as well as to some central philosophical concepts and distinctions. We will also see how a concern with analysis is able eventually to lead Plato to a very distinctive metaphysical view of the nature of the world.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the Socratic “problem of definition”.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essence/accident distinction.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the universal/particular distinction.

Original text prepared by Peter H-K; revised for 2006-7 by VP