There are two thoughts at the center of this class, which are to be challenged and clarified in discussion. The first thought is that all desire is somehow or other aimed at the good. The second thought is that all action is somehow or other subject to normative evaluation. We will challenge and clarify these thoughts by close reading of parts of Plato's Republic and of contemporary texts. From Plato's Republic, we will focus on the role of technical expertise (techne) in guiding action; on theory of the tripartite soul; and on the theory of desire and its objects. We will read some contemporary work, especially by Christine Korsgaard, that deals with related themes and also touches on Plato's Republic. We will also read work by Rachel Barney, which is focused on the Republic and helps to forge a connection between Plato's text and these contemporary debates.
Language of instruction: English (Hausarbeiten dürfen gerne auf Deutsch verfasst werden)
Die Veranstaltung wurde 30 mal im Vorlesungsverzeichnis WiSe 2024/25 gefunden:
