SOCRATES AND THE PROBLEM OF PHILOSOPHY

Coordinators: Steve Allen, Larry Shapiro

What role should philosophy play in our public and private lives? In our class, we will consider this question by examining the character and ideas of Socrates as they appear in the writings of Plato, Aristophanes, Nietzsche and contemporary authors.

Issues we will discuss include whether philosophy is necessary for a good life, whether there is an inherent conflict between philosophy and religion, whether philosophy undermines or strengthens the moral foundations of society and, finally, whether philosophy can, in fact, help us understand the nature of reality.

B WEEK / WEDNESDAY / 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Other Classes:

WATER
EXPLORATIONS IN PHILOSOPHY
AGING
SCIENCE AND SCIENTISTS
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

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