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PHIL20580

Academic Year 2024/2025

Plato's Republic (PHIL20580)

Subject:
Philosophy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Philosophy
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Tim Crowley
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The Republic is Plato's most famous, and most influential, work. It is justly regarded as one of the greatest works of philosophy ever written, and as such it is a work with which every student of philosophy ought to be familiar. Its central concern is with the nature of justice, but the dialogue also considers politics, epistemology, metaphysics, psychology, education, and art. The Republic is a mature work of Plato’s central period, and offers a full picture of the philosophy of Plato at the height of his powers.
We will discuss each of these issues, as well as the influence of this work on the history of philosophy.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module diligent students should be able to: understand and interpret critically key passages of the Republic in English translation; understand and discuss Plato's defence of justice in the Republic; understand and be able to discuss the tripartition of the soul; understand and critically interpret the analogies in the Republic of the Sun, Line and Cave; show familiarity, and critical engagement, with influential interpretations in the secondary literature on Plato concerning the topics under consideration; appreciate the importance of Plato's Republic in the context of the history of philosophy, and the importance of historical context when studying Ancient Philosophy and the History of Philosophy in general.

Indicative Module Content:

Plato; Socrates; Republic; Ethics; Moral Philosophy; Psychology; Metaphysics; Justice; Greek Philosophy.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

8
Autonomous Student Learning

93
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Two lectures per week, supplemented by tutorials.

The lectures will involve the lecturer introducing the work of Plato's Republic and examining the issues that arise. The tutorials are where students may develop their understanding, led by an experienced tutor who will typically be a PhD student working in the area. One essay will be required during the term.
The use of Generative AI in the preparation and writing of any assessed work is not permitted.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHIL30560 - Plato's Timaeus


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay Week 9 Graded No
35
 No
Exam (In-person): End of term exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
65
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Armando Francesco D'Ippolito Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
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