(Recorded Course) Plato: An Introductory Reading with Julian Ahlquist

Learn Plato’s writings and how they have had an influence throughout history (and are still relevant today) -- and discover the Universal Truth of our Catholic faith. 

How to get the most out of Plato: An Introductory Reading with Julian Ahlquist:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

  • Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

  • Read assignments before class meetings

  • Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

  • Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total Classes: 14

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Suggested Credit: 1 full semester Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, or Ethics

Meeting Location: 

Instructor: Julian Ahlquist

Instructor email:  julian.ahlquist@gmail.com

Course Description: In this course, we will read a work by the famous philosopher Plato titled Gorgias, a book often used to introduce students to basic philosophical thinking.  In it, Plato depicts a conversation between Socrates and Gorgias (as well as other historical characters of ancient Greece), discussing the nature of persuasion, as well as the nature of good and evil.  Progression, though the text will be gradual and covered in detail through class lectures and discussions, giving students enough time to learn the fundamentals of reading philosophy.

Course Outline:

  • Week 1 - Introduction

  • Week 2 through 4 - Socrates vs. Gorgias on the purpose of persuasion (447a-466a)

  • Week 5 through 6 - Socrates vs. Polus on the purpose of justice (466b-481a)

  • Week 7 through 8 - Socrates vs. Callicles on the difference between what is lawful and what is natural (481b-491d)

  • Week 9 through 13 - Socrates vs. Callicles on the difference between what is pleasurable and what is good (491e-520b)

  • Week 14 - Socrates on the afterlife (520c-527e)

Course Materials:

Gorgias by Plato, translated by Donald J. Zeyl (Hackett) ISBN-10: 0872200167 / ISBN-13: 978-0872200166

OR

More expensive option (However, a very good deal if you plan to continue to the spring course and/or read other works by Plato): Plato: Complete Works by Plato, edited by John M. Cooper and D.S. Hutchinson (Hackett) ISBN-10: 0872203492 / ISBN-13: 978-0872203495

Note: Get the printed versions because electronic versions might lack the Stephanus numbering in the margins, which this course uses to assign the readings.

Homework: Homework will involve daily reading assignments and answering open-book review questions. There will also be a closed-book midterm and final exam.  Extra credit may be given for good in-class participation.  Plus, an optional essay will be offered.