Courses – Fall 2022 / Science & Philosophy / SOCRATES AND THE PROBLEM OF PHILOSOPHY

Coordinators: Sandy Kessler, Steve Allen

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

Fall 2022 Class Schedule: Socrates and the Problem of Philosophy

Date

Presenter

Title

Sep 14

Sandy Kessler

Plato's "Allegory of the Cave"

Sep 28

Sandy Kessler

Aristophanes' Critique of Socrates

Oct 12

Sandy Kessler

Plato's Apology

Oct 26

Sandy Kessler

Plato's Crito; Death scene from Plato's Phaedo

Nov 9

Sandy Kessler

Religious Critiques of Socrates

Nov 30

Sandy Kessler

Modern Critiques of Socrates

Dec 14

Sandy Kessler

Post-Modern Critiques of Socrates


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