PHIL 320 - Seminar in the History of Philosophy

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

This seminar investigates the distinctive characteristics, limitations, and potential of ethical reflection in the Platonic tradition, focusing on the concepts of virtue, wisdom, happiness, and the highest good. The first half of the course is devoted to a series of Plato’s dialogues, in new translations, that examine (what will become) the canonical virtues: Protagoras, Charmides, Laches, and selections from Republic. We then consider how Platonic ethics was systematized and elaborated over the next several centuries, with an emphasis on the late ancient “Neoplatonists” Plotinus and Porphyry. To end the semester, we turn to the modern revival of Platonism in the work of Iris Murdoch and Sophie-Grace Chappell, and ask what Platonic ethics might add to the landscape of ethical theory today. Christopher Raymond.

Prerequisite(s): One 200-level course in Philosophy or permission of the instructor.

One 3-hour period.

Course Format: CLS