Western Philosophy
This twelfth grade course explores some of the major themes and problems of Western philosophy, using the actual texts of a variety of influential thinkers. Particular consideration is directed toward the Greek period (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), the Medieval period (Augustine, Aquinas), and the Modern period (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Nietzsche, Freud). Students are challenged to read critically, think analytically, discuss intelligently, and write clearly. The goal is for students to engage actively the course material and to take to both heart and mind the Socrates' challenge that "the unexamined life is not worth living."