PHIL-186 Pursuing the Truth

Magid, Oren

This course is about a project we are all engaged in to one extent or
another -- sorting through the beliefs, opinions, values, and commitments
that we either hold or find available in order to distinguish the true from
the false, holding fast to the former and jettisoning the later. How does
this pursuit of truth, and the holding fast to it when we take ourselves to
have found it, play out in our lives? How should it? In many of Plato's
dialogues, Socrates argued that this pursuit was not a solitary endeavor.
He attempted to make the case that the way to pursue the truth was in
conversation, or 'dialogue,' with others. He argued that a commitment to
the truth of our beliefs should not lead us to attempt to persuade others
to see it our way by, say, giving a rousing speech. Rather than such
speech-giving -- which he labeled 'rhetoric' -- he thought such a
commitment to the truth of our beliefs should lead to conversation with
others and the cooperative examination of the reasons for or against
maintaining such beliefs. If we believe what we do because we take it to be
true, should we not hear others out -- and even seek them out -- if they
claim to have good reasons not to believe as we do? And what if they seek
us out? Would this be merely a nuisance?

We will engage questions such as these primarily by examining some of
Plato's key dialogues -- the *Gorgias*, the *Protagoras*, and others. These
dialogues will also raise important issues in metaphysics, epistemology,
political philosophy, and ethics. They will also illuminate Plato's views
about important philosophical questions such as the nature of knowledge,
the proper objects of knowledge, the relationship between emotion and
reason, the nature of the soul, the good life, and more. To make our
discussions more concrete, we will also look to contemporary media,
culture, and politics as we discuss these issues, asking questions such as
the following: To what extent does the political discourse that surrounds
us, especially in an election year, count as pursuing the truth through
conversation or dialogue? Whatever the answer, why might it matter? Is it
bad to 'flip flop,' or change one's position on important political matters? Why or why not? What might be the proper way for an American Idol contestant to take Simon Cowell's sharp criticisms? And what about, on the other end of the spectrum, Paula Abdul's generally quite positive feedback?

What -- not simply 'who' -- is the subject of Stephen Colbert's satire? Is
such satire importantly different than what it is intended to criticize?

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring

More information
Look for this course in the schedule of classes.

The academic department web site for this program may provide other details about this course.