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you will be choosing 4 questions from the question’s list. You can only choose one question per section (eg, you cannot choose two questions from section 1). Yes, this means there will be sections you will not choose a question from.
You will write anywhere from 2-4 paragraphs for each question you choose (they can be longer!).
You will be uploading your finished writing assignment to Canvas before the due date. In total, your writing assignment should (at minimum) be around 1300-1500 words (but can be longer!). Should be closer to 1800-2000 for an A.
In putting your answers, you should keep in mind that you are talking to a fellow student who is not taking our class. So, you will need to give context, explain ideas, and even source/cite material. Like as if you were writing a really good (academic) blog post.
You will use all the relevant material from our first unit/module. This means, at times, you will be using multiple sources in your answers. I don’t demand actual citations, but referencing lectures, texts (textbook material and the dialogues), and anything else we have covered will be crucial but look below for further clarification.
YOU CANNOT USE OUTSIDE SOURCES! Only material from our textbook and canvas are allowed.
list
Section 1:
What is the “Wondering” conception of philosophy? If it’s deficient, explain how (that is, explain what it’s missing). Give examples of both (the conception itself and an example of the deficiency if it has one). In the end, if this conception does not capture it, what is philosophy?
What is the “Enduring Questions” conception of philosophy? If it’s deficient, explain how (that is, explain what it’s missing). Give examples of both (the conception itself and an example of the deficiency if it has one). In the end, if this conception does not capture it, what is philosophy?
What is the “Dialectical” conception of philosophy? If it’s deficient, explain how (that is, explain what it’s missing). Give examples of both (the conception itself and an example of the deficiency if it has one). In the end, if this conception does not capture it, what is philosophy?
What is one end-view or goal of the philosophy (and explain it)? Your answer should include an example from your life or the Socratic dialogues that you are able to connect to the end-view?
Section 2:
What is an inductive/deductive argument? Name one KIND of each argument then give an example of each.
What is soundness/validity? Can we have one without the other? Give an example of each (along with examples of that lack both/either).
What is an informal fallacy? Pick two fallacies and explain them using/with your own examples.
What are the five principles of honest dialectical engagement (aka, the rules of engagement)? Identify and explain/define (w/examples).
Section 3:
What are Euthyphro’s various attempts to define piety (or holiness) and what are Socrates’ objections to these definitions? Who gets the better of the argument? Why? What definition for piety would you give Socrates?
If no satisfactory definition is proposed, what is the use of the entire discussion in this dialogue? How could you claim that the dialogue was still, in a way, a success?
What exactly is wrong with Euthyphro’s first definition of piety? Does it satisfy Socrates? What kind of account of piety would satisfy Socrates? Can you give me an example with a different concept?
What is The Euthyphro about (what’s the back story, what’s the issue)? Who are the interlocutors? How do they meet?
What difference does it make whether the pious is loved by the gods because it is pious, or pious because it is loved? Which does Socrates believe is the right fork to go down? Why? How does one side of the fork amount to an appeal to authority and why is this problematic? Please give examples using your own concepts (eg, “chair,” “love,” etc…)
What is elenchus? How does Socrates use it in the Euthyphro? Do you find it useful? Why or why not? Give an example with your reasoning.
Section 4:
By what means does Socrates attempt to investigate the world? What are his methods? How does these methods reflect a commitment to critical thinking, if at all?
In the Apology, we read that Socrates prefers death to acting unjustly. Why? Is this a standard we should hold ourselves to? Why or why not?
In the Apology, Socrates maintains that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” And yet it seems to be the case that many – if not most – human beings live their lives without ever spending any time reflecting on the meaning and purpose of their lives. What are the implications of Socrates’ position? Why do you think he felt it was so important to be able to critically examine one’s life?
Socrates argues that the person who knows how little they know is wiser than the one who thinks she knows it all. Explain his argument/position. Does this position make any sense? Why or why not?
In the Apology, Socrates argues that the good person need not fear death. What is his argument(s)? Do you think that this is true? Why or why not?
What does Socrates take to be the meaning of the Delphic oracle? What distinction in wisdom/knowledge (are there different kinds?) does he draw? What is human wisdom, according to Socrates? What do you consider to be human wisdom? Do you agree with Socrates (explain why or why not)?
Why has Socrates avoided public office? How could we say that even though he is not part of politics, he is still “political”? -Please give examples of your own on how someone can be political and not take part in politics to help make your point-
Why does Socrates not appeal to the Assembly for mercy? How would this undermine his commitment to being a critical thinker?
Why does Socrates believe that the unexamined life is not worth living? What constitutes human virtue/good, according to Socrates? What is the relationship between human virtue and human happiness, on his view? Does this make sense to you? Why or why not?
In the Apology, Socrates claims that “[t]he true champion of justice, if he intends to survive even for a short time, must necessarily confine himself to private life and leave politics alone.” What does he mean by this? Do you agree with Socrates here? Is this true in some sorts of societies in particular? Is it true in the USA today? (Maybe read “survive” in not so literal a fashion.)
Why does Socrates think that the Athenians would be harming themselves rather than harming Socrates if they put him to death? What service has he provided the city of Athens by philosophizing there?
Do you think Socrates is wise to disregard the possibility that he may die if he does not please the court?
How does Socrates interpret the pronouncement of the Oracle of Delphi that no one is wiser than he? Do you think that the sort of wisdom he claims to possess is really wisdom? How does he use the realization from the Oracle to defend himself against the charge of impiety?
What is Socrates’ argument for the claim that it is impossible that he corrupts the young willingly? Is his argument convincing? Why or why not?
Socrates says that he cannot be held responsible for the conduct of those who have talked with him or heard him speak. Why not? Do you agree? Please give parallel modern-day examples that help make your point.
Section 5:
What are three Theories of Truth? Give examples of each. Could they work together? Explain.
How does Descartes try to close the gap between appearance and reality? Is he successful? Why or why not?
What is the Cartesian circle? Is there a way out? What is it?
What are Parmenides’s arguments for the impossibility of change? Zeno’s? Do you find them convincing?
What is Descartes Dream Argument? Evil Genius Argument? What are they meant to do (convince us of)? Do you find them convincing?
The ultimate virtual reality machine would present a world so real that we couldn’t tell that it was fake. Can you know that you’re plugged into this machine right now? If not, what difference does it make?
Descartes assumes that we can be certain about our mental states. Is that true? Could you be mistaken about your mental states? Could you be mistaken that you are in pain? If so, what does this mean for the Cartesian project?
Can the epistemic principles that Descartes uses to prove the existence of the external world also be used to prove the existence of other minds? Why or why not?
Science and Faith Thought Probe in 7.1 (5th edition, pg 560-Other editions should have the same thought probe should be in other editions)
Constructing Reality Thought Probe in 7.1 (5th edition, pg 564-“”)
Can we be certain that the way the world appears corresponds to the way it really is? Why or why not?
Does knowledge require certainty? Why or why not? Does it matter? Why or why not?
Section 6:
Do you think the argument from illusion requires the postulation of sense-data? Are there other ways of accounting for illusions?
Must a representative realist believe that some sense-data actually resemble the qualities of material objects? Is it enough if the sense data just represent the qualities of material objects? Why or why not?
Do you think the argument from illusion requires the postulation of sense-data? Are there other ways of accounting for illusions?
Is there any difference between a perfect illusion and the real thing? If so, what is that difference?
Hypthothesizing the Eternal World Thought Probe in 7.2 (5th edition, pg 572-“”)
How does Berkeley try to close the gap between appearance and reality? Is he successful? Why or why not?
How would Berkeley deal with this question: If a tree fell in a forest and no one was around to hear it, would it make a sound? What does they say about or how does it connect to his epistemology/metaphysics?
Is it inconceivable for something to exist unconceived? Why or why not?
What is the difference between direct and representative realism? Give a case for or against one of the views.
What is the difference between rationalism and empiricism? Give examples from everyday as well as academic sources.
What is philosophical skepticism? What do skeptical doubts arise from? Give examples from everyday as well as academic sources.
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