This seminar with introduce the student to Socrates as a complex character through readings primarily from the ancient Greek texts such as Plato and Xenophon, but also through readings that show how Socrates has been appropriated and interpreted by more recent thinkers. The Athenian democracy executed Socrates for his willingness to question the traditions and conventional beliefs about what made life worth living. Rejecting the outward rewards of fame and fortune, he turned to the nurturing of an inner life, but an inner life that entailed engaging others in reflection about their own beliefs and assumptions. In fostering questioning, though, he also challenged the security of the city and raised questions about the compatibility of the good life and the political world. His execution and his thought highlight the complex relationship between individual and public virtue, between the search for knowledge and the role of traditions in building political stability.

There will be three short papers during the academic term and a final paper of 10 pages at the end of the academic term. Classes will focus on discussions of the readings and their portrayal of Socrates.