HURON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Undergraduate Course Outline 2013
Philosophy: 3003G: PLATO
Winter Term 2013
Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. &
Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Room: HC - V207
Instructor: Ryan Middleton
Office: tbd
Office Hours: tbd
Email: rmiddle8@uwo.ca
Prerequisites: 2200F/G (Ancient Philosophy)
Course Description:
An intermediate survey of the works of Plato. While some themes or works may be focused on to
the exclusion of others, this course aims to give students a strong, foundational understanding of
Plato’s thought on a range of topics.
Course Syllabus:
Arguably, Plato was the single most influential writer until Marx. The claim would be difficult
to deny. His repertoire of ideas not only shaped but defined the course of Western thought. But
(and unlike Marx), Plato was also a great stylist. Plato wrote dramatic works that even in
translation are so stylistically gripping there are few who could claim to match his skill as a
writer. In this course, we will try to unearth the features of his writings that helped make him
such an influential writer.
We will read a couple short works, but our focus will be on the Republic. The Republic is
widely thought to be the greatest work of philosophy. Yet, few people can honestly say they
have read through the entirety of it. In this course, we will go through it carefully since almost
everything about Plato's philosophy is covered in it: his psychology; his epistemology and
metaphysics; his politics and ethics.
Aside from an in-class midterm and final exam, students will complete short quizzes to test their
understanding of the texts. They will also be required to compose two short papers to elaborate
on some of the more interesting themes in Plato's writings.
TEXTS
The following text is recommended and will be available at the Book Store:
Complete Works. Plato. ed. John Cooper. Hackett: 1997. ISBN -- 0872203492
REQUIREMENTS
First Short Paper (15%)
Second Short Paper (15%)
Midterm Exam (20%)
Quizzes (20%)
Final Exam (30%)