Syllabus
Classical Philosophy
Philosophy 305
Fall 2010
Instructor: Jim Butler
Phone: 985-3943
Office: 203D Draper
Hours: 9-10 & 11-12 MWF
email: jim_butler@berea.edu
CPO 1914
Webpage: http://faculty.berea.edu/butlerj/default.html
The main focus of the class will be to examine the metaphysical and epistemological views of the
two major figures in Ancient Greek philosophy, Plato and Aristotle. Their views, for the most
part, are a response to those pre-Socratic thinkers who attempted to explain the nature of the
world materialistically or relativistically. We will begin with the metaphysical views of Aristotle,
concentrating on his notion of substance. From there, we will do a brief account of Socrates
(Plato's friend and mentor), to see how his philosophy influenced the young Plato. Finally, we
shall study Plato himself, who introduces his theory of abstract objects (which he calls Forms)
which, in part, tries to defend Socrates' inquiries from metaphysical objections.
[n.b. Other major figures in Ancient Greek philosophy such as Thales, Democritus, Heracleitus
and Protagoras, will be discussed as their theories are addressed by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
If there is time, perhaps there will be a few lectures on how Ancient Philosophy influenced
Medieval Philosophy.]
Texts:
Plato: Complete Works, John M. Cooper, ed., Hackett Publ., 1997.
Aristotle: Selections, Irwin and Fine, eds., Hackett Publ, 1995.
Supplementary Plato and Aristotle readings accessed from my web page.
Requirements:
This class is reading and writing intensive. We will be closely scrutinizing texts in order
to fully understand the arguments presented. Thus, students should come to class having
read the assigned texts carefully (usually several times) and be prepared to discuss the
material.
There will be three tutorials (see handout on the tutorial method and grade scale) and the
final grade for the course will be based on the following:
3 Tutorials ---20% each
Small Written Assignments--20%
Class Participation--20%
Policies:
Late papers: Because papers in this class often are in the form of tutorials, handing in
papers late is heavily discouraged. Nevertheless, late papers will be accepted, but because
the student has taken extra time, the paper will be held to a higher standard of
achievement. Basically, the later the paper, the tougher it will be graded.
Grade scale: See attached handout
1
Regular attendance is a requirement of the class. Those students who miss a
substantial amount of class will be penalized on their final grades.
No form of academic dishonesty will be tolerated. For definitions of academic
dishonesty, see Student Handbook for more details.
Disability Statement:
Students who have a disability that may prevent them from fully demonstrating
their abilities should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Cindy Reed at
(859) 985-3212, or e-mail cynthia_reed@berea.edu, to discuss accommodations
necessary to ensure full participation in this course. Upon request, this syllabus
can be made available in alternative forms.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
[Notice that this syllabus is tentative. We may, depending on the amount of discussion, end
up going slightly faster or slower than the syllabus states. So, do not simply follow the
syllabus outline. I will always announce in class upcoming assignments. So if you miss class,
it is your responsibility to find out what the assignments are for the upcoming classes.]
All the assignments to be found on the web are in BOLD
WEEK 1
Introduction: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
WEEK 2
Introduction to Aristotle:
Categories 1-5 and Topics I.4, 5, 9
Short Paper
WEEK 3
Aristotle's early theory of substance and change
Physics I.1 & 5-8 & I.2-3
Generation and Corruption I.3-5 ff
WEEK 4
Living things, the 4 causes, and teleology
Physics. II.1-3, 5 & 8
Parts of Animals I.1
First tutorial: Aristotle on Natures
WEEK 5
Aristotle's later theory of substances and his
Meta VII (whole chapter)
On the Soul I.1 & II.1-4
Meta XII. 6-7ff (Prime mover)
WEEK 6
Aristotle’s rejection of Protagoras and Heracleitus
Meta IV.1-5
WEEK 7
Aristotle vs. Plato
Meta. I.6-9, XIII.5 (re-read VII.13-15)
Generation and Corruption. II.9
2
Nic. Ethics I.6
WEEK 8
Brief Overview of Socrates
The Apology, Protagoras, Laches
Short paper
WEEK 9
Introduction to Plato and his theory of Forms
Phaedo
WEEK 10
Forms in The Republic
Second tutorial: Lovers of Sights and Sounds
WEEK 11
Other arguments for the Forms
Symposium, Cratylus
WEEK 12
Plato's later theory of Forms and the Third Man Argument
Parmenides, Sophist, Timaeus
Short paper
WEEK 13
False mental states
Theaetetus, Philebus (w/ Republic IX)
WEEK 14
Plato's rejection of Protagorean relativism
Protagoras, Cratylus, Theaetetus
Final Tutorial
3