Introduction to Philosophy                                                                                         Mr. Pendergast

Socrates v. Plato

RESOLVED: The only subjects a philosopher should concern himself with (or herself) are “What is good,” “What is right,” and “What is true.”

 

  1. Divide into teams for Socrates v. Plato Debate

  2. 10 Minutes Team Prep: 

 

    1. Choose opening & closing speakers

    2. Decide which main points you will stress in making you argument:  Here’s where you might start:

                                                              i.      Socrates Team – In his dialogue with Meletus, how does Socrates define “what is good, what is right and what is true,” and how does he define those as primary values?

                                                            ii.      Plato Team -  How would you apply Plato’s “four faculties of the Soul” (p. last paragraph of “The Divided Line,” p. 4 of Plato handout)?  How can you use this concept in your argument against your teacher (Socrates I mean, not your “Papa”)?

    1. Anticipate what the other side's strongest argument will be and prepare to rebut.


  1. Debate:

    1. Affirmative Opening Speaker – 1 Minute

    2. Opposing Opening Speaker – 1 Minute

    3. Rebuttals – back and forth for 30 second each:

                                                              i.      All questions are rhetorical – you may ask, but they don’t have to answer

                                                            ii.      If you interrupt when the other side has the floor, your side loses their next 30 seconds.

                                                          iii.      NO PHANTOMS – All members of both teams MUST participate at least once (if it is only once, it better be good!).


  1. Closing:  Same order as opening – Affirmative side first, then Opposition.  Affirmative gets the first word and Negative gets the last.

     
  2. Debrief Paper – DUE THURSDAY, October 4:  “Who do you think was correct – Socrates or Plato?”

 

    1. One to one and a half (1 - 1½) TYPED pages, double spaced, one inch margins, 12 point font, PASSED in on paper at beginning of class.

    2. Clear Thesis in first paragraph

    3. At least 5 supporting points, each explained in a separate paragraph.

    4. You need not argue the position you argued in the debate.