PHIL 51.001 – FYS: Who Was Socrates?
IDEAs in Action: Which curricular requirements does this course satisfy?
Instructor: Patricia Marechal (incoming July 1, 2025). This course meets TR 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. in YC 207.
The historical Socrates did not write any philosophical works; instead, he engaged in philosophy through conversation. Yet, he made such a profound impression on some of his Athenian contemporaries that other philosophers wrote dialogues featuring him as the main character. Plato portrays Socrates defending the view that the unexamined life is not worth living, that no one voluntarily chooses to do wrong, that suffering injustice is worse than committing it, that all wrongdoing arises from ignorance, and that goodness amounts to wisdom. These views have been among the most influential—and, at times, the most controversial—in the history of philosophy. Even today, some philosophers agree with them, while others reject them. In this course, we will explore Socrates’ philosophical method and the philosophical theses attributed to him. Our goal will be to critically examine Socratic philosophy: Is Socrates right? What arguments does he offer in support of his views? What further arguments could be made in favor of or against them? This course will focus on developing philosophical skills through engagement with Socratic philosophy, while also addressing questions of enduring importance for how to live a good life.