Session 10
- Topics: Concluding Reflections & Recovering Classical Greek Language in a Modern World
- Reading: Aristotle, "Politics" [Selections]
- Book VII: Chapters 1-3 [1323a14-1325b14] (Polis and Education)
Book VIII: Chapters 1 [1337a11-1337a21] (Polis and Education)
- Book VII: Chapters 1-3 [1323a14-1325b14] (Polis and Education)
- What is the relationship among the “three goods?” How is this connected to Aristotle’s conception of the “life of goodness?” (Bk VII, Ch 1-3) How does Aristotle connect this to both the “active life” and the “life of contemplation?”
- Why does Aristotle consider a system of “public education” essential for political and moral life? (Bk VIII, Ch 1)
- After reflecting on our readings for this semester, what central lessons have you appropriated regarding the fundamental nature of political action and judgment?
- Do you find yourself connecting most directly with any particular author in this course (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Socrates/Plato, Aristotle)? What aspects of their thought appealed to you specifically?
- How do you understand political justice? What role should ethics and virtue play in political life (i.e. the moral dimensions of politics)?
- How do you reconcile the conflicting loyalties to the household, city-state, and gods in political thought?
- What do you most value in political life? What do you think "most" binds us together? What do you think "should" connect us?
- Who do you think should be in charge and why (experts, the majority, etc.)? What should our duties be to one another?
- Do you think these classical writings can bring a renewed political vocabulary to our modern discussions regarding the competing obligations of identity, citizenship, and leadership in political thought?
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