10 | PLATON - BILDER

The late dialogue Statesman (Politicus) is part of Plato’s general discussion of the idea of “dialectics” (in the sense of a dihaeretic method) to determine important concepts by careful conceptual distinctions. The main topic is the correct definition of what a statesman is and which sort of knowledge he should have. Other important aspects of the dialogue are (a) philosophy of history (presented in a complicated mythological story), (b) law and legislation, and (c) the theory of constitution. We will read the dialogue together and comment on it in detail.

Course is part of the MA and PhD programs of the involved universities. Each participant has to give a talk related to the Platonic dialogue.