PHIL 390.001 – Seminar in Selected Topics (Plato’s Republic)
Instructor: Philip Bold. This course meets TR 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. in CW 105.
This course will be centered around a careful reading of Plato’s Republic. Topics include, but are not restricted to, happiness, the human soul, freedom, ideology, knowledge, politics, power, as well as the nature and aims of philosophy itself. Although our primary goal will be to understand Plato’s systematic perspective on these matters, students will be encouraged to formulate their own views as we proceed through the semester, and will be given many opportunities to do so. We will frequently connect our discussions of Plato to contemporary social and political issues, such as gender inequality, climate change, the limitations and aspirations of democracy, consumerism, propaganda, and the values encoded in mainstream media–though our focus and emphasis will largely be determined by student interest. Course format will include a mix of lecture and student led discussion. Grading for the course will be based on two research papers, regular forum posts, and active participation in class.
Although one previous course in Philosophy is a prerequisite for PHIL 390, no prior background or exposure to Ancient Greek Philosophy will be presupposed.
If you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact the instructor via email: philbold AT live DOT unc DOT edu.
Prerequisite: 1 PHIL course.