Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/plato-dialogues
Embarking on a journey through the philosophical landscape of ancient Greece can feel daunting, but Coursera’s “Reason and Persuasion: Thinking Through Three Dialogues By Plato” offers a remarkably accessible and engaging entry point. This six-week course, supplemented by two weeks of contemporary moral theory, dives deep into Plato’s foundational dialogues: “Euthyphro,” “Meno,” and “Republic” Book I.
The course masterfully unpacks the Socratic method, not just as a historical technique, but as a living art of critically examining our own beliefs. The instructors guide learners through the intricacies of each dialogue, starting with “Euthyphro.” Here, we grapple with the nature of holiness through Socrates’ probing questions to Euthyphro, a priest accused of a rather grim familial dispute. The initial modules provide essential context about Plato and Socrates, setting the stage for a deeper appreciation of their philosophical contributions.
Moving to “Meno,” the focus shifts to the elusive concept of virtue. We follow Socrates as he challenges Meno, a charismatic but perhaps superficial student, to define virtue. The dialogue cleverly uses a geometry lesson with a slave boy to illustrate how knowledge can be recalled and how definitions are crucial, yet often difficult to formulate. The course explores the challenges in defining virtue and whether such definitions are even attainable, prompting reflection on our own understanding of moral excellence.
“Republic,” Book I, introduces the fundamental question of justice. Socrates engages in debates with various characters, each offering a distinct perspective on what constitutes a just life and society. The course highlights how this single book, though just a fragment of the larger work, stands as a compelling exploration of justice, particularly through the confrontational figure of Thrasymachus, who boldly asserts that “justice is the advantage of the stronger.”
The final two weeks broaden the scope to contemporary moral psychology, drawing connections between ancient philosophical debates and modern scientific inquiry. The course examines the work of psychologists like Jonathan Haidt and Joshua Greene, exploring how our moral minds function and how our innate tribal instincts influence our ethical frameworks. This section is particularly valuable for understanding how age-old questions about reason, emotion, and social behavior continue to resonate in today’s world.
“Reason and Persuasion” is more than just a history lesson; it’s an invitation to cultivate critical thinking and intellectual humility. The accessible presentation, coupled with thought-provoking discussions, makes this course highly recommended for anyone interested in philosophy, ethics, or simply understanding the foundations of Western thought. It equips learners with the tools to “blow up your beliefs as you go, to make sure they’re built to last.”
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/plato-dialogues