Philosophical Dialogue
Learn to read a philosophical dialogue, that is, to find insight, not in philosophical propositions alone, but in the interplay of characters and actions with the argument.
Understand Plato's Philosophical Revolution
Understand how Plato carries on the philosophical revolution initiated by his teacher, Socrates, who brought philosophy down from the heavens to consider human things, especially politics and ethics.
Politics and Philosophy
Understand Plato's teaching on the deep interrelation between politics and philosophy – how political debate gives rise to philosophical questioning and how philosophy always has political implications.
Interpret Plato's Dialogues
Learn to interpret and to be able to summarize the teaching of at least one longer dialogue (The Republic or The Laws) as well as one or more shorter dialogues (for example The Apology of Socrates, The Phaedo, The Symposium).