We will focus on the “Socratic” dialogues, that is, those thought to have been written earliest and which attempt to arrive at definitions of virtues. Some attempt will be made to understand both Socrates’ varied influence on later ancient philosophers and his dramatic effect on his contemporaries, but mainly we will be talking about virtue. Dialogues to be read: Apology, Protagoras, Laches, Alcibiades, Charmides, Hippias Major, Gorgias, and parts of any others that come to seem relevant.

Requirements: For 3 credits, very regular short writing assignments. Students who need 5 credits may, with the instructor’s permission, sign up for an additional two credits of independent reading and write a final paper in addition.

TEXT: Plato: Complete Works, John M. Cooper and D.S. Hutchinson, eds.