Socrates is arguably the most influential and the most compelling philosopher in Western philosophy. We look at his understanding of truth and sophistry, the nature of existence, self-knowledge, flourishing and ethics, and his astonishing legacy. We also examine his life and death as recorded by his most brilliant student, Plato.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Russell, Bertrand, A History of Western Philosophy
• Plato, The Life and Death of Socrates
• Taylor, C., Hare RM., and Barnes J., Greek Philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle
• Taylor, C, Socrates: A Very Short Introduction
• Vlastos, G, Socrates, Ironist and Moral Philosopher

COURSE OUTLINE

• Who is Socrates?
• Against the Sophists
• "Know thyself!"
• On ethics

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the question of self-knowledge according to Socrates
2. Understand truth and Sophistry according to Socrates
3. Understand the nature of Socratic ethics and the nature of flourishing