PHIL20580 Plato's Republic

Academic Year 2022/2023

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.

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Curricular information is subject to change

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:

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

8
Autonomous Student Learning

93
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Forthcoming 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


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


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: < Description > 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

65
Essay: < Description > Unspecified n/a Graded No

35

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer 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