Socrates didn’t write anything down. But others did. To understand the historical Socrates, we rely on the testimonies of those who knew him — or claimed to.

In this course, you’ll encounter Socrates through four key witnesses: Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, and Aristotle. Each offers a distinct perspective, from comic caricature to philosophical reverence.

You’ll explore how Socrates became a symbol of intellectual integrity and moral inquiry, and why his life and trial continue to challenge us. Core readings include Aristophanes’ Clouds, Xenophon’s Apology, and Plato’s Apology, Euthyphro, and Laches, alongside selections from Aristotle’s reflections on Socratic ethics and method.

This course is immersive. You’ll step into the streets of Ancient Athens — its bustling agora, its political tensions, its military battles, its intellectual ferment — and see how Socrates’ relentless questioning unsettled and inspired his contemporaries. Through discussion, close reading, and philosophical dialogue, you’ll bring these texts to life and engage with timeless questions about virtue, justice, and what constitutes the good life.

It’s an ideal entry into philosophy. You’ll gain the tools to continue your philosophical journey independently — to ask better questions, examine your own beliefs, and pursue wisdom beyond the classroom. It’s also a launch pad into the philosophy of Plato, whose thought was profoundly shaped by Socrates’ life and method.

No prior experience in philosophy is required. Just bring your curiosity — and be ready to question boldly.