Flowchart: Alternate Process: 2. The examined life. First approach to the question about the good life: How should I live? a. Socrates as paradigm of the philosopher. Socrates’ urge towards philosophy: the Socratic mission. Philosophy as the best way of life. The challenge to tradition and preconceived opinions. The challenge to unjustified reputation. Socrates’ enemies and friends. Why do some people hate Socrates and why others admire him? Sophists, politicians, craftsmen, priests and poets. The old and the young. Philosophy and courage. Philosophy and shame. b. Socrates’ conception of philosophy. Philosophy and the awareness of ignorance. Is Socrates wise? If so, what kind of wisdom does he have? Philosophy as taking some distance from the appearances and from what people say. Testing theses and arguments vs. testing people. Introduction to the Socratic method of elenchos. c. Socrates’ favorite objects of inquiry: wisdom, truth and the best state of the soul (= virtue). Why are wisdom and truth important? How are they related to the best state of the soul? Reading: Apology. Important terms: logos, elenchos, irony, aporia, psychê, aretê, phronêsis, sophia, … back to PHL202 Schedule Home

PHL202 H5S   Ancient Philosophy

 

 

Warning: This page does not correspond to any actual course. I've only built it as a proposal for my instructorship application.