DP

You will be choosing 2 questions from the exam 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!). More than 500 words for each question.

In writing 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.

You will be uploading to canvas/turnitin so please avoid copy/pasta from the internet or from working with your friends (as always, some very minor overlap can happen but you must write your own work!).

General Advice: Write as if you are speaking to another student who is not enrolled in our class. They have interest but do not have the context or the background necessary to understand your answer. So, you should ELABORATE, GIVE EXAMPLES, PUT THINGS IN CONTEXT, and/or everything else that may help you explain your answer to your buddy/mom/etc... Follow the handy checklist below for further clarification.

The Checklist (the minimum):

Remember to ask yourself all the important checklist questions:

Did I answer every part of the question?

Did I organize my answers?

Did I fully explain any concepts, ideas, thought experiments, arguments, etc... necessary for a layperson to understand your answer to the question?

Did I base my answers on what I learned from class (the lectures, the textbook, our discussions, related coursework, etc...)?

Did I provide reasons for my own claims (backed up my claims with evidence, logic, or sensible assumptions (depends on the context*)?

Did I avoid using sources from outside the class material?

As a shorthand (rough guide), did I write 2-3 paragraphs (6 to 10 sentences each) or more?

Did I use examples to illustrate points or concepts?

Did I meet the minimum word threshold of 1100-1300 words?

For "A"wesome "A"nswers:  Did I cite the textbook or primary readings? Did I draw connections between course subject matter and my life/literature/culture/society/etc...? Did I write a minimum of 3-4  long/detailed paragraphs or more?

Section 1:

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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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 3:

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. What is The Euthyphro about (what’s the back story, what’s the issue)? Who are the interlocutors? How do they meet?

5. 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…)

6. 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:

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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)?

7. 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-

8. Why does Socrates not appeal to the Assembly for mercy? How would this undermine his commitment to being a critical thinker?

9. 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?

10. 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.)

11. 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?

12. Do you think Socrates is wise to disregard the possibility that he may die if he does not please the court?

13. 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?

14. 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?

15. 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 6:

 

1. Do you think the argument from illusion requires the postulation of sense-data? Are there other ways of accounting for illusions?

2. 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?

3. Do you think the argument from illusion requires the postulation of sense-data? Are there other ways of accounting for illusions?

4. Is there any difference between a perfect illusion and the real thing? If so, what is that difference?

5. Hypthothesizing the Eternal World Thought Probe in 7.2 (5th edition, pg 572-"")

6. How does Berkeley try to close the gap between appearance and reality? Is he successful? Why or why not?

7. 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?

8. Is it inconceivable for something to exist unconceived? Why or why not?

9. What is the difference between direct and representative realism? Give a case for or against one of the views.

10. What is the difference between rationalism and empiricism? Give examples from everyday as well as academic sources.

11. What is philosophical skepticism? What do skeptical doubts arise from? Give examples from everyday as well as academic sources.