Socrates and the Examined Life [S-15-52]
| Presenter: | Jeff Maynes |
|---|---|
| Location: | SLU: Atwood 3 |
| Classes: | 4 Sessions 1.5 hours |
| Dates: | Wed 2:30 PM 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15 |
| Status: | CLOSED |
Print Info
The philosopher Socrates famously remarked that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” What is the examined life, why i.s it valuable, and how do we pursue it? In this course, we will consider several of the Socratic dialogues to reflect on the role of examination in his life, and the role it ought to play in ours. In particular, we will reflect on how examination of moral concepts and ideas contributes to living an ethical life. Cap: 43
Jeff Maynes teaches philosophy at St. Lawrence University. He is particularly interested in the philosophy of language and mind and has done research on the philosophical foundations of research in linguistics. He also is interested in human reasoning, and ways in which we can teach critical reasoning skills.
NOTE: Reading selections are from the Platonic dialogues. If you have your own copy of Plato's writings, you may use it and bring it to class. Here are the . . .
SUGGESTED READINGS:
Class 1: Plato, a selection from Republic
Link: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1448037/republic.pdf
(Note: the next three readings are all in the same document)
Class 2: Plato, Euthyphro
Link: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1448037/collection.pdf
Class 3: Plato, Socrates' Defense (or Apology)
Link: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1448037/collection.pdf
Class 4: Plato, Crito
Link: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1448037/collection.pdf