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Lesson 1 (from Plato's Euthyphro)

Objective

As three of the four texts are written by Plato, it is important to understand Plato's biography and importance to Western thought.

Lesson

1) Biographical Background: Who was Plato? Why is he important to the history of Western thought? When did he live?

2) Critical Analysis: How can Plato's philosophy be characterized? What are its prominent features?

3) Group Discussion: What was Plato's relationship to Socrates? Why did Plato so often "use" the character of Socrates in his texts? Share thoughts as a class.

4) Homework: Have students research Plato's famous image of the "shadows in the cave." Have them read the relevant passage of The Republic. Students should write an essay in which they discuss why the "shadows in the cave" image is appropriate to the philosophy that Plato espouses.

Lesson 2 (from Plato's Euthyphro)

Objective

Socrates is the central figure of the texts. This lesson provides some biographical information on Socrates, up...

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