Copy of AP Great Books 1

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For Plato, and thus for the West in general, the questions of philosophy and theology alike come into view from deep reflection on politics, i.e., the conditions, necessities, benefits, and drawbacks of common life, the rule of law, and all too human authority and power. Plato’s writing therefore is a political philosophy, and the best introduction to political philosophy itself. The fundamental question of political philosophy is: What is justice? Historically, Plato’s influence on Western thought, and particularly of Christian thought, means that he is simply too important not to read if we want to be well-informed citizens. Plato also demands our attention from the perspective of truth: many have, after all, concluded that he is, if not in every detail, simply correct; and whether or not this is so, it may be argued that no author can better help us to understand what democracy means. But Plato’s books require us to learn to read anew. All great books teach a manner of reading peculiar to themselves. Therefore, to encounter Plato, we must learn to read, slowly and carefully, with minds alive to questioning. So too, hopefully, we will begin learn to write, and ultimately, how to think as well. This course is primarily open to Juniors and Seniors. It will be taught at a college level but presupposes no prior knowledge. Class will be largely discussion-based, with some short lectures. Required readings will be primary texts: Plato’s Apology of Socrates, Crito, Phaedo, and Republic; and Xenophon’s Apology of Socrates to the Jury (handout). Short writing assignments will be assigned throughout the semester, with the option at the end of either an exam or a longer written assignment.

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