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For those who live in north Texas, we have a course in Platonic Philosophy. The course covers all the dialogues of Plato, and has readings from Platonists and other philosophers, both ancient and modern. The course does not hold to any one interpretation of Plato, but tries to benefit from all those who have been inspired in one way or another from his dialogues. It is a spiritual class, and though philosophical theories can be delved into, the emphasis is not academic discussion, but the application and vision of Platonism for the individual traveller.

The class usually begins with a devotional quote, followed by a prayer in which we ask the gods to elevate our understanding and being to the divine heights. We then go over the assigned readings. For the Platonic dialogues, the instructor goes through the text, reading and commenting upon important passages. During this time, the students are free to ask questions and offer their insights. After Plato, we will discuss the main points of the supplimental reading and how they affect the philosophic life.

It is important for the student to read all the material with full attention (but, if they are short on time, especially the dialogues) and to practice the exercises assigned before coming to class, so that during the class the main points can be reviewed in depth, and the questions and insights of the students will be thoughtful and purposeful. The primary aim of this class is not just to inform students about the ideas and theories of the Platonists (one can surf the internet for that), but it is to assist the student in developing their skills in dialectics, contemplation and spiritual ethics so that they can, for themselves, find truth and virtue in their lives and in their souls.

The Course

The course is divided into four broad units, each unit covering a "cycle" of dialogues and supplimental texts. For those working through the third and fourth cycles, research projects and spiritual practices are assigned.

First Cycle

This first part of the course introduces a cycle of Plato's "Socratic" dialogues. These are short and often entertaining, whose subjects are of primary interest to Philosophy, such as courage, love, knowledge, reason, piety, freedom, and so on. It is in these dialogues that one gets a taste for the methods of dialectics, the process which cultivates the soul's ability of intellection (intuitive insight).

The dialogues are the Theages, Ion, Menexenus, Euthydemus, Protagoras, Hippias Major and Minor, Laches, Charmides, Lysis, Meno, Euthyphro, the Apology and the Crito.

Second Cycle

This next part of the course covers the ten books of the Republic, which will serve is a summary to Plato's philosophy. It covers topics such as wealth, ethics, integrity, social studies, politics, religion, mythology, education, psychology, dialectics, reincarnation, etc. Though it covers many such interests, its main topic is the ethical and spiritual education of the soul.

Supplimental readings may include biographies of the Platonic sages and other short texts, depending on the needs of the student.

Third Cycle

The third part covers the ten major dialogues: the Alcibiades, Gorgias, Phaedo, Cratylus, Theatetus, Sophist, Statesman, Phaedrus, Symposium, and the Philebus.

Supplimental readings may include

In addition to the readings, at this stage spiritual exercises will be introduced reflecting the subject matter of each dialogue.

Fourth Cycle

The fourth part of the course covers the Timaeus and the Parmenides.

Supplimental readings may include:

In addition to the readings, exercises is sacred geometry and dialectics will be offered.

For more information...

For more information on the course, location and times, visit our Meet-Up page, The Platonists of North Texas. If you plan on showing up to the classes, please use the Meet-up page to sign up.

The course is free, but the student may need to purchase the books if not found at one's local library.