Part one 3.  Explain Plato's theory of Forms, using his story of...

Part one

3.  Explain Plato's theory of Forms, using his story of the cave as an illustration. Is Plato's theory of reality (metaphysics) materialistic, idealistic, or dualistic? Explain.

4. Imagine that you were assigned to be Socrates' legal counsel. What would you advise him to do or say to escape a death sentence? Do you think it might make a difference? Why or why not?

 

Part Two

2. What does he mean by saying that if the Athenians put him to death, they will hurt themselves more than him? (reading: Apology by Plato)

4. Socrates has been called a martyr to the principle of seeking the Truth. Could you imagine any principle so important to you that you would be willing to give up your life for it? Alternatively, can you think of any circumstances that you would override even the most important principle? (reading: Apology by Plato)

1. What is the difference between "living well" and having a "good life"? (reading: What is a Good Life? by Ronald Dworkin)

3. Compare Dworkin's idea of a good life lived critically with Socrates' statement that the unexamined life is not worth living. Are they saying the same thing? Why or why not? (reading: What is a Good Life? by Ronald Dworkin)

1. Find similarities between Socrates and Thomas More; are there any significant differences? (reading: A Man for All Seasons  by Robert Bolt and Fred Zinneman)

2. What does More mean by saying, "When a man takes an oath, he is holding his own self in his own hands, like water-and if he opens his fingers then, he needn't hope to find himself again"? (reading: A Man for All Seasons  by Robert Bolt and Fred Zinneman)

1. To recapitulate: This is an allegory of what Plato sees as reality. What does it mean? Who are the prisoners? Where is the cave? What does it mean to see the sun? (reading: The Myth of the Cave by Plato)

Chapter 8

Textbook: The Moral of the Story An Introduction to Ethics by Nina Rosenstand 9th edition