In this proseminar, we investigate a series of philosophical conversations, beginning with Plato and Aristotle and ending in the 20th century, and, through a close reading of selected texts, offer an introduction to the basic themes that inform the study of philosophy at The New School for Social Research. This is a noncredit proseminar for first-year students; while it is not compulsory, it is designed to help new students make the transition to graduate study. To this end, we intersperse lectures from Philosophy department faculty with seminar discussions. Time is also devoted to the issue of academic writing and more general associated with being a new graduate student in the department.