Political Science 395H - Greek Tragedy & Philosophy

The Athenian society of the Fifth and century was an extremely rich mosaic of institutions, public deliberations, religious festivals, professional speech writers and politicians, poets, and philosophers. Democratic principles at home (public discussion in the assembly) coexisted with an empire that, ultimately, came to naught after the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. This is the context of this course, which is designed as an examination of major topics in Plato and Aristotle's philosophy as well as in some of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides' tragedies. We will begin with dialogues that concentrate on the method of questioning (elenchus) displayed by the historical Socrates in order to see its value as well as its possible limits. Socrates' method will be compared to other expressions of the Athenian ethical discourse as represented the tragedians. The tragic insistence on moderation, the dangers associated with political power, and the unreliability of a transcendental realm will offer a counterpoint to Socrates' and Plato's ideas of personal excellence and knowledge. We will conclude with Aristotle's reflections on the polls, which mark an important critique of Plato's philosophy.

Open to Commonwealth Honors College students or Seniors and Juniors.