This course uses easily accessible dialogues by Plato to explore the days prior to and after the trial of Socrates as well as his defense in the face of a death sentence. Euthyphro takes place a few days before the trial; Apology (Defense) reports his speeches to the court; Crito tells of a good friend’s attempt to free Socrates, who refused the efforts; and a brief excerpt from Phaedo describes his death. The discussion will include the form and content of the dialogues as well as why Socrates has become for many the epitome of a philosopher.
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