Examine Everything: Socrates and the Liberal Arts
FYSEMR 68H
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
At Harvard you will be freer to do what you want than perhaps at any other time of your life. To what, then, will you be most committed? Your extracurriculars or your coursework? Your friends or your GPA? Your job prospects or your political convictions? It is the purpose of the liberal arts to equip you to direct the course of your own life. This first-year seminar addresses your new freedom and offers the opportunity to re-examine your commitments, through an inquiry into the life and philosophy of Socrates.
Though feeling that he knew nothing, Socrates showed a resolute commitment to his life of inquiring after virtue, even at the cost of imprisonment and the death penalty. Was that the right choice? When should we be resolute, and when should we adapt to our circumstances? How do we live with doubt while still acting on our commitments? You will develop your own responses to these questions through ancient history and the history of philosophy, through field trips outside of the classroom, and through artistic imaginings of Socrates and of the liberal arts.
In defense of his life of inquiry, Socrates said that “an unexamined life cannot be lived.” We simply can’t help but question our commitments, even if we needn’t settle on our answers in order to act.
NOTE: Beyond the seminar’s regular format of discussion and student presentations, learning opportunities include a visit to the Harvard Art Museum, a field trip to the Harvard Ceramics Studio to interview a working artist, a political constitution simulation in collaboration with the Safra Center for Ethics, and a celebratory end of term dinner. There will be no cost to students.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
