Code of course: BBN-FIL-231.04 BBN-FIL18-231.01 BMA-FILD-231.04	
Title of course: Knowledge and virtue in Plato's Meno, Phaedo, and Republic	

THE FIRST CLASS OF THE COURSE WILL BE HELD
ON THE 9th of SEPTEMBER 
	
Lecturer: Dr Máté Veres
	
Office hour, consultation (e-mail of the lecturer): mateveres8519@gmail.com

General aim of the course:

(No knowledge of Greek is necessary.)

Throughout the course, students will familiarize themselves with the basics of Plato's epistemology, metaphysics, philosophical psychology, and ethics through a close reading of three Platonic dialogues, the Meno, the Phaedo, and the Republic (in English translation).

Traditionally regarded as belonging to Plato's alleged 'middle period', these dialogues present a series of celebrated but especially controversial arguments concerning the so-called 'Theory of Forms', the possibility of knowledge, the immortality of the soul, and the good life, while also showcasing Plato's ongoing interest in various conceptions of philosophical methodology.

Students will gain an understanding of the development of Plato's thought from its Socratic background to his so-called 'Middle Period'. They will acquire the skill of philosophically sensitive close reading and the ability to recognize interconnections between various Platonic dialogues. They will be encouraged to develop their skills of philosophical analysis and argument by way of engaging with some of the finest philosophical writings ever produced in the Western world.

The course is open to anyone, but previous familiarity with ancient philosophy might be useful.

Weekly schedule

(1) 9 September – Introduction

Required reading:
* Plato, Apology in Plato, Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo (Indianapolis, 2002), pp. 23-44.

(2) 16 September – Plato, Meno 70a-80d

Required reading:
* Plato, Meno 70a-80d in in D. Sedley (ed.), A. Long (tr.) Plato, Meno and Phaedo. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 1-14.

(3) 23 September – Plato, Meno 80d-100b

Required readings:
* Plato, Meno 80d-100b in in D. Sedley (ed.), A. Long (tr.) Plato, Meno and Phaedo. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 14-41.

(4) 30 September – Plato, Phaedo 57a-78b

Required readings:
* Plato, Phaedo 57a-78b in D. Sedley (ed.), A. Long (tr.) Plato, Meno and Phaedo. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 42-68.

(5) 7 October – Plato, Phaedo 78c-107b

Required readings:
* Plato, Phaedo 78c-107b in D. Sedley (ed.), A. Long (tr.) Plato, Meno and Phaedo. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 68-104.

(6) 14 October – Plato, Phaedo 107c-118a

!!! First draft of term paper due !!! (500 words) !!!

Required readings:
* Plato, Phaedo 107c-118a in D. Sedley (ed.), A. Long (tr.) Plato, Meno and Phaedo. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 104-116.

(7) 21 October – Plato, Republic Books I-II.

Required readings:
* Plato, Republic I-II (until 369a) in J.M. Cooper (ed.), The Complete Works of Plato, pp. 972-1008.

!!! NO CLASS ON 28 OCTOBER !!!

(8) 4 November – Plato, Republic Book IV.

Required readings:
* Plato, Republic IV in J.M. Cooper (ed.), The Complete Works of Plato, pp. 1052-77.

(9) 11 November – Plato, Republic Book V.

Required readings:
* Plato, Republic V in J.M. Cooper (ed.), The Complete Works of Plato, pp. 1077-1107.

(10) 18 November – Plato, Republic Book VI.

Required readings:
* Plato, Republic VI in J.M. Cooper (ed.), The Complete Works of Plato, pp. 1107-32.

(11) 25 November – Plato, Republic Book VII.

!!! Second draft of term paper due !!! (1,000 words) !!!

Required readings:
* Plato, Republic VI in J.M. Cooper (ed.), The Complete Works of Plato, pp. 1132-55.

(12) 2 December – Plato, Republic Book X.

Required readings:
* Plato, Republic X in J.M. Cooper (ed.), The Complete Works of Plato, pp. 1199-1223.

(13) 9 December – Concluding discussion.

Required readings:
* To be discussed.

Grading criteria, specific requirements:

Students are required to attend preferably all meetings of the course, having prepared the assigned reading material, and to actively participate in discussion. In-class participation will count towards 50% of the final grade.

In addition, students are required to submit a paper of 1,500–2,000 words by December 9, 23:59. This requirement will count towards 50% of the final grade.

Two draft papers are due by October 14, 23:59 (approximately 500 words) and November 25, 23:59 (approximately 1,000 words).

Required readings:

* Plato, Apology in Plato, Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo (Indianapolis, 2002), pp. 23-44.
* Plato, Meno in D. Sedley (ed.), A. Long (tr.) Plato, Meno and Phaedo. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 1-41.
* Plato, Phaedo in D. Sedley (ed.), A. Long (tr.) Plato, Meno and Phaedo. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 42-116.
* Plato, Republic in J.M. Cooper (ed.), The Complete Works of Plato. 971-1223 (selections). Tr. G.M.A. Grube, C.D.C. Reeve.

Suggested further reading:

The main objective is to cover the primary sources listed above. Specific articles aiding comprehension or interpretation will be suggested in class.

In general, the following introductions, overviews, handbooks and collections are useful:

* Annas, J. An Introduction to Plato's Republic. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1981.
* Benson, H.H. Clitophon's Challenge: Dialectic in Plato's Meno, Phaedo, and Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015.
* Ferrari, G.R.F. (ed.) The Cambridge Companion to Plato's Republic. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007.
* Fine, G. (ed.), Plato I-II. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
* Fine, G. (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Plato. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.
* Irwin, T. Plato's Ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995.
* Kraut, R. (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Plato. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992.
* Scott, D. Recollection and Experience. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.