Topics in Plato and Aristotle

The idea that humans have a special function (ergon) plays an important role in Plato's ethics and a fundamental role in Aristotle's ethics. In this seminar, we'll examine the content and role of the idea of function in both philosophers. Readings will include parts of Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Eudemian Ethics, Magna Moralia, Nicomachean Ethics, and Protrepticus. May be repeated for credit. 2 unit option only open to Philosophy PhD students beyond the second year.