Cognitive Science 0137 - Plato's Moral and Political Ph

This course explores central questions in Plato's moral and political philosophy: What is the good life for human beings? What is virtue? What do specific virtues, such as justice, piety, courage, and wisdom involve? What makes an individual or a community just? What roles do knowledge, emotion, and education play in a virtuous life? What significance does the nature and organization of the psyche have in being virtuous? How is virtue acquired? Is it innate? Can it be taught? Are all humans capable of being virtuous? Is a virtuous life more meaningful or valuable than other human pursuits? What role does philosophy have in understanding and answering these questions? The course will involve close readings of key texts by Plato and will emphasize philosophical analysis, argument, and criticism.

Mind, Brain, and Information Writing and Research Independent Work In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research.