Each class will focus on a story, such as one of Aesop's fables. I will begin by retelling the story. Then, through questions and discussion, we will uncover the meaning of each story. We will also discuss as a group whether the moral of the story is true. To accomplish this, I will help the students reflect on real-world situations similar to the ones in each story. The class assumes no prior knowledge. Reading the stories before class is optional but encouraged.

Although students may already be familiar with some of the stories, we will strive to use the stories to introduce philosophical concepts and lessons. Thus, the course is appropriate as one's first introduction to philosophy.

We will cover the following stories:

Week 1, Class 1: The Tortoise and the Hare: This fable teaches the value of persistence, patience, and humility. It can lead to discussions about the virtues of hard work and the dangers of arrogance.

Week 1, Class 2: The Boy Who Cried Wolf: This story emphasizes the importance of honesty and the consequences of lying. It can be used to explore the nature of trust and the importance of integrity.

Week 2, Class 1: The Fox and the Grapes: This fable introduces the concept of cognitive dissonance and rationalization. When the fox cannot reach the grapes, he convinces himself that they are sour and undesirable. It can lead to discussions about desire, frustration, and self-deception.

Week 2, Class 2: The Ant and the Grasshopper: This story contrasts the values of hard work and planning for the future with a carefree and irresponsible attitude. It can lead to discussions about responsibility, foresight, and the balance between work and leisure.

Week 3, Class 1: The Wind and the Sun: This fable teaches that persuasion is often more effective than force. It can lead to discussions about the nature of power, influence, and the effectiveness of kindness versus coercion.

Week 3, Class 2: The Oak and the Reeds: This story emphasizes the value of flexibility and adaptability in the face of adversity. It can lead to discussions about strength, resilience, and the wisdom of yielding when necessary.

Week 4, Class 1: The Crow and the Pitcher: This fable illustrates the importance of intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving. It can lead to discussions about the nature of intelligence and the value of thinking outside the box.

Week 4, Class 2: The Dog and Its Reflection: This story teaches a lesson about greed and contentment. The dog loses its bone while trying to take the reflection's bone, thinking it's another real one. It can lead to discussions about satisfaction, greed, and the dangers of wanting more than what one has.

Week 5, Class 1: The Scorpion and the Frog: This story can lead to discussions about nature, character, and trust. The scorpion's nature leads it to sting the frog, even though it means they both perish. It can lead to discussions about inherent traits and whether people (or creatures) can change.

Week 5, Class 2: The Emperor's New Clothes: This story teaches the danger's of social conformity and the value of independent thinking.