You don't have to answer all of these questions, just pick out 1-2 you aren't sure about:
1. What is the Socratic method? What is it used? (Why does Plato write in dialogue?)
2. Describe Plato's epistemology.
3. Describe his metaphysics.
*What is the Simile of the Line? What does it tell us?
* What are the Forms?
* What is the Allegory of the Cave?
4. Describe his ethics?
5. What is the appropriate relationship between a person and the State?
6. What is justice?
7. What is a person's obligation regarding the Law? What ought one to do when it is unjust?
8. Who ought to lead society?
9. What's Plato's view of the soul? What does he think about the body?
10. Does Socrates fear death? Why or why not?
FYI: You might want to review Barry pages 34, 86-89, 90, 93, 115, 161-2. Remember also that some other thinkers were influenced by Plato -- we call them neoplatonists. St. Augustine is one example (Barry, 54).
Q1. The Socratic Method is written in a conversational type form or dialogue, where Socrates was a character in a lot of Plato’s writings. There is a discussion between the individuals where questions are asked to stimulate critical thinking. A certain point of view is questioned, and the questions make the person replying to think about their answers, which then makes them start to doubt their stance, therefore strengthens the other person’s viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteQ2. Plato’s epistemology looks at belief & opinion vs. knowledge. It has something to do with the more knowledge a person has, then the truer that knowledge is. While the belief or opinion is something one might think, but they are not exactly sure why it is that they think that way or believe in something. People only know what they can sense, and have not yet experienced.
Q9. Plato believes that there is a soul and body. He also believes in a pre-existence of the soul, where it is then embodied, eventually the body dies, and the soul continues to exist after the death. He considers the soul and body to be separate entities and operate independent of one another.
Question 7;
ReplyDeletePlato's dialogue “The Crito” tells how Socrates, awaiting execution in jail after his trial, refuses to escape when presented with the opportunity. He refuses because to escape would be a violation of his duty to the state and its laws. According to Plato, justice arises from following the laws, even if the particular laws are unjust. Our communities are run by law rather than by instinct like other animals. Despite it flaws, the law is what defines a human. Therefore, according to the ideas of Plato, breaking the law would not only be an opposition to the actual law, but also to humanity itself. Plato goes on to say that society is necessary for human survival and especially if humans which to flourish. Individual and society are in a mutually advantageous relationship; therefore, any attempt to contradict society and the laws set by this society would be a devastation to the individual, the society, and to humanity.
1. The Socratic Method is something that Plato used in his writing in order to convey his teachings. Plato writes in dialogue style in which Socrates is his main character and through him Plato can show his beliefs in many different situations. This Socratic style also makes Plato's teachings more relatable and therefore easier to understand when someone reads them. Within this dialogue Plato's beliefs are even more clear when Socrates asks and answers questions in a certain manner. At many points in dialogue Socrates will actually answer questions with a new question of his own. This method has been adapted into something that is known as a Socratic Seminar in which people, like Socrates, answer questions with new questions. This is sometimes how our own class discussions turn.
ReplyDelete8. Plato has a certain belief that the rulers of society should be the philosopher-kings and queens. As we saw in the skit of Plato's Allegory of the Cave the 'hero' who broke from the chains and saw the sun or light was the philosopher king or queen. This sun or light is symbolic of knowledge and the hero sees it first and then unchains the other people around them who are chained. This shows how the philosophers have knowledge and use it to impact the world around them and lead others to this knowledge. Plato also believes that these philosophers should be leaders of society because of the element which rules their nature. The three elements Plato acknowledged were the appetitive, spirited and rational. Plato said that philosophers were ruled by the rational therefore making them the best to make decisions for society.
6. Justice for Plato was when the people were doing there jobs. The jobs are determined by what guides them. Weather it is the appetite, spirit, of reason. once everyone is doing what they are meant to do and society is balanced and in harmony then there is justice according to Plato.
ReplyDeleteQ9. Plato's view is that everyone has a soul and body and he thinks that they are separate. He believes that the soul is preexisting and eventually meets the body. He believes that after death the soul leaves the body and continues to exist.
ReplyDelete