Humanities 9: Father Breck

Plato's "The Republic" Pathfinder

Norman Rockwell painting of Thanksgiving Dinner "Freedom from Want"

"Freedom from Want" Norman Rockwell, Courtesy
The Norman Rockwell Museum.

THE ASSIGNMENT:

Working with Ms. Jansen, research Plato and his most important work, “The Republic” to answer Aunt Martha’s question:

“Who was this fellow Plato and what was his contribution to Western political philosophy?”

Turn in your three paragraph response to Aunt Martha in class on Tuesday, October 25. That way, you’ll be ready for her when she pounces at Thanksgiving Dinner.

If you have questions about the assignment, ask Father Breck. If you have questions about note taking or using the databases, ask Ms. Jansen.

RESEARCH AND WRITING ASSIGNMENT: PLATO,”THE REPUBLIC”

THE SCENE:

November 24, 2005. Thanksgiving Day. Your House. Dinner.
Your sweet old Aunt Martha, who you really, really love, turns to you and says :

“Why, darling (your name goes here) I understand you have been studying ancient Greek philosophers at St. Andrew’s. I have always been curious about that fellow Plato. Who was Plato and what was his contribution to Western political philosophy?”

You turn as green as the uneaten string bean on your plate, choke back a scream, and say:

“Uh, golly gee, Aunt Martha, I’ll have to get back to you on that one. Can you give me until next Tuesday?” To which Aunt Martha replies:

“Why of course, sweet pea. Just give me three paragraphs. That will do just fine. Now, enjoy the rest of your dinner and then go play with your little cousin, Bart.

Resources from St. Andrew's subscription databases

Try these keywords when searching the online databases (you typically won't use capital letters when searching):

plato

"plato's republic"

"the republic" plato

All of these reference databases are available on our Subscription Database page:

Encyclopedia Britannica: use the version "for high school students and up"
Gale: Student Resource Center Gold
SIRS Knowledge Source: SIRS Renaissance
SIRS e-book: The Republic (Translated and introduced by Benjamin Jowett, 1871) (use the Introduction only)
EbscoHost: MagillOnLiterature Plus (Uncheck MAS Ultra and check Masterplots)

Don't neglect to look at the related links and various other links that come up for each search.
Printing: Always use the Print option on the page when you are printing from these databases. You get a cleaner copy that is easier to read and make notations.
See Ms. Jansen for passwords for home use or pick up a flyer in the library.

[Help with citing sources] [Form for note taking]