Plato’s theory of ideas 3501-PTI18-S-OG

Plato’s theory of ideas is one of the most famous and most influential theories in the history of philosophy. His thesis that above the changeable world of material things there is a realm of true being consisting of eternal and unchangeable Forms (or Ideas) has been the object of heated debates among scholars through the entire history of Western philosophy. During the seminar we will discuss Plato’s arguments for the Ideas (i. a. in the Phaedo, Republic, bk. V), the modifications introduced in the later dialogues (The Sophist, Parmenides), and the objections formulated by critics, especially Aristotle (in the Metaphysics, bk. I and XIII, on in the treatise On Ideas).

Type of course

elective seminars
general courses

Mode

Classroom

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
- the student has basic knowledge about main directions of development and new interpretations in the research on Plato’s theory of Ideas
- knows basic research methods typically used in the area of history of philosophy
- knows the principles of working out interpretations of philosophical texts

Skills:
- is able to read, understand and compare different philosophical texts
- is able to listen and understand oral presentations of philosophical ideas and arguments and is able to prepare his/her own presentations
- is able to analyze the logical structure of the argument presented by other participants of the seminar and is able to assess the possible influence of logical mistakes on the validity of the conclusions (2nd degree of studies)
- is able to choose suitable argumentative strategies, present objections and formulate arguments in favour of his/her own position
- is able to conduct research on a basic (1st degree) or advanced (2nd and 3rd degree) level under the guidance of the teacher

Competence:

- without the help opf the teacher sets up and carries out simple research tasks
- basing on the assesment of the problems and situations he/she is facing is able to find solutions without the help of the teacher
- is open to discussion and new solutions of the presented problems
- is able to cooperate within a group, assuming different roles within the group

Assessment criteria

Assessment methods and assessment criteria:
- attendance within the specified limit
- reading the discussed texts before the class takes place
- taking part in the discussions in class
- one seminar presentation or one seminar essay

Bibliography

Platon (fragmenty dialogów), Kratylos, tłum. W. Stefański; Fajdros, Fedon, Państwo ks. V-VII, Sofista, Menon, Fileb, Timajos, Parmenides, tłum. W. Witwicki
Arystoteles (fragmenty), Metafizyka (ks. I, V i XIII), tłum. T. Żeleźnik, M. Krąpiec, A. Maryniarczyk
H. Cherniss, Aristotle’s Criticism of Plato and the Academy, Baltimore 1944.
B. Dembiński, Teoria idei. Ewolucja myśli platońskiej, Katowice 1999 (II wydanie).
G. Fine, On Ideas. Aristotle’s Criticism of Plato’s Theory of Forms, Oxford 1993.
J. Gajda, Platońska droga do idei, Wrocław 1993.
W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Ancient Greek Philosophy: vol. IV, Plato – the Man and his Dialogues. The Early Period, Cambridge 1975.
W.K.C. Guthrie, History of Ancient Greek Philosophy: vol. IV, The Later Plato and the Academy, Cambridge 1978.
W.D. Ross, Plato’s Theory of Ideas, Oxford 1951.
A. Silverman, The Dialectic of Essence. A Study of Plato’s Metaphysics, Princeton University Press, Princeton 2002.
W. Stróżewski, Wykłady o Platonie. Ontologia, Kraków 1992.
G. Vlastos, Platonic Studies, Princeton University Press, Princeton 1973.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

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Description of 3501-PTI18-S-OG in USOSweb