Discuss Protagoras’ reply at 324d-328d. Does this reply succeed in answering Socrates’ challenge, in your view? Explain.” This essay involves three tasks: Task 1 Discuss the key observations you take Socrates to be making about great statesmen like Pericles. What support do these observations provide for the claim that political virtue isn’t teachable, according to Socrates? Your job for Task 1 is to explain in your own words how Socrates uses the example of Pericles et al to defend his skepticism about Protagoras’ profession. Task 2 Reconstruct Protagoras’ reply to the challenge you outlined in Task 1. How does Protagoras undertake to overturn Socrates’ doubts about his profession? For example, does Protagoras dispute Socrates’ observations about statesmen like Pericles? Or does he grant these observations, but proceed to argue that they nevertheless fail to support Socrates’ position that political virtue isn’t teachable? Your job here is to outline Protagoras’ strategy for overcoming Socrates’ objection to his profession. Task 3 Evaluate the argumentative strategy you outlined in Task 2. Begin by stating clearly and precisely your verdict as to the success of Protagoras’ strategy. Next, explain the criterion you’re appealing to. What standard must Protagoras’ defence meet if it is to count as a success, in your view? Finally, explain in your own words why you think Protagoras either succeeds or fails in meeting that standard. Your job for Task 3 is to explain why you are or are not satisfied with Protagoras’ case, and to defend this verdict. Essays must be written in 12 pt. font and double-spaced, with one-inch margins and numbered
pages. Make sure that your name and student number appear at the top of the first page. Title pages
are not necessary.
Your introductory paragraph must include a clear thesis statement. A thesis statement has two main
components: i) A clear statement of the position you will take in the paper; and ii) a brief, clear
outline of the case you will make in support of that position.
Make sure to explain any technical terms you use. What constitutes a technical term? Ask yourself the
following question: ‘Would a friend of mine who has never taken a philosophy course readily
understand what the term means?’ If the answer is no, then it’s a technical term. Explain it.
Use direct quotations (i.e. “____”) only on those rare occasions when you want to call attention to
the author’s precise wording. Otherwise, explain the reading in your own words and cite accordingly
in parentheses or footnotes. Any standard citation style (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago) is acceptable, but
please remain consistent in your paper. Make sure to give citations for Plato’s dialogues using
Stephanus numbers (e.g. 434a; 435a-436b). If you have any questions about citations, ask the
instructor.
Do not copy and paste any part of this prompt in your essay.
Late essays will be penalized at the rate of 5% per day late, weekends included.
Make sure to submit your essay through Canvas either as a .doc or .pdf file. Email
submissions will not be accepted.
Please retain an electronic copy of all essays until you receive a final grade for the course.
You are not expected to consult any material in writing your essays except for the required readings
and class lectures. If you do consult any additional materials, you should do so sparingly and give
appropriate citations.
Please consult the course syllabus/essay grading rubric for further instructions.
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