The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was and remains an enigma. Noted for his skill at argument and cross-examination, and for his strong ethical convictions, he was found guilty and put to death for impiety and for corrupting the youth. He left behind no writings of his own, and he maintained that the chief difference between himself and his fellow Athenians was his self-awareness that he was ignorant about important philosophical and life matters (while others, similarly ignorant, took themselves to be knowledgeable about such things). In this course we will examine several of the texts about Socrates that survive from antiquity, including works by Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, Aristotle, and Diogenes Laertius. Our overall aim will be to arrive at a comprehensive picture of Socrates as a philosopher and ethical figure. We will pay special attention to Socrates' trial and the defense he is reported to have offered on his own behalf. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: several short writing assignments and two longer papers. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 10-15). Preference given to Classics majors, sophomores, and first-year students.

Hour: MUENCH