Middlebury

FYSE1081A-F21

Greek Phil., Tragedy, & Comedy

"The Ancient Quarrel": Greek Philosophy, Tragedy, and Comedy
In Plato's day there was a “quarrel” between philosophy and poetry, a rivalry for the ethical education of citizens. How do the tragedies of Aeschylus and Sophocles communicate ethical dilemmas? Does Aristophanes in The Clouds suggest a serious critique within his comic satire of Socrates? Why does Plato banish the poets from his ideal city in The Republic, but develop his own philosophical poetry? Why does Aristotle in the Poetics emphasize the catharsis of the tragic emotions? Finally, we will consider Nietzsche's interpretation in The Birth of Tragedy: Socratic rationalism deals the fatal blow to tragedy, yet Plato transforms Socrates into a tragic figure. 3 hrs. sem.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
92720
Subject Code:
FYSE
Course Number:
1081
Section Identifier:
A

Course

FYSE 1081

All Sections in Fall 2021

Fall 2021

FYSE1081A-F21 Seminar (Woodruff)