Phylosophy

Assignment 3: Socratic Dialogue

For this assignment you will create a Socratic dialogue. The dialogue will be completed in two parts. The first part will be 1–2 pages of notes to help you generate the arguments and analysis that will become a part of your dialogue in Part II.

Part I

1. Identify a belief. This can be a religious belief, an ethical belief, political belief, or any other one about which reasonable minds can disagree. Beliefs that are held by the vast majority of people (such as a widely accepted scientific fact) are not good choices for this assignment). A good topic will have reasonable evidence and reasoning supporting both sides.
2. Consider other points of view, or counter-arguments. Think about what you find persuasive about these counter-arguments, as well as how you might argue against them. Try to keep an open mind. Remember, we are engaging in philosophical dialogue, not trying to win an argument.
3. Examine the multiple points-of-view and weigh the evidence. Identify any unsupported assumptions or holes in the argument.
4. Consider the consequences of the beliefs presented. Philosophical thinking is an ongoing process, so it is important to identify questions for further thinking and to wonder about factors and circumstances that might change your view about a particular question.

Part II

Using the analysis from Part I, write a 2-page dialogue between Socrates and a person of your choosing (i.e., the Interlocutor) that examines the belief.

1. Have the Interlocutor present the belief and reasons you identified in step 1 of Part I.
2. Have Socrates pose questions that encourage the Interlocutor to consider other points-of-view as well as any problems with their argument, drawing upon the multiple points-of-view you identified in steps 2 and 3 of Part I, as well as the potential consequences of a given position as identified in step 4 of Part I.
3. Make sure your dialogue arrives at a conclusion. Keep in mind that it may be different from the belief or point of view you started with, and could be somewhat open-ended. As you searched for reasons that support your belief or point of view, you may have also come across reasons that challenge your beliefs. Don’t hide from these challenges. Remember, philosophy requires us to examine and even question our beliefs. If you find yourself more persuaded by the other points of view, don’t despair! Unlike a formal debate, the kinds of arguments we make while engaging in philosophical thinking are open to revision. 

TEACHERS NOTES:

More Help: For Tuesday’s assignment (W1A3)		12/20/2015 12:00 AM
Greetings Everyone: As we continue on toward the final part of Week 1 (even though it feels like we just got started), I have some helpful advice to offer you. First off, your papers will need to be in APA format. Because of this, I wanted to let everyone know that I am posting something under "Doc Sharing" for you. It is a sample APA paper you can use as a template or your assignments. It will show you the correct format, as well as how to pattern your reference list. Just in time for Assignment 3! Be sure to use it for your other classes too. Second thing. Regarding format, I want both parts of the essay in one document (it'll save me the hassle of downloading twice as many on my temperamental laptop). Also, please make sure the paper is in APA format. (As the course moves forward I will eforce this more strictly, but I'll give you some slack at first.) I would like a detailed explanation of the issue you choose. Both sides if it's a controversial issue (like gun control) or different perspectives if it's a question of understanding something. You could even explain a pro and a con from either side. Third, there's the dialogue portion. Try to read the following exchange and then try to come up with your own response. Imagine a conversation between Socrates and one of his followers on any topic. For example ... Friendship. I'm going to borrow an example from Plato's book, Lysis, to demonstrate. Socrates loved to ask questions and challenge people, even about obvious things.  I want you to imagine something like this: Socrates: Lysis, you have lots of friends. I don't understand what a "friend" is ... but since you have so many friends you should be able to explain. Lysis: Sure Socrates. A friend is someone who does good things for you. Socrates: Someone who helps you? Lysis: Yes. Socrates: So my slave must be my best friend, since he helps me the most? Lysis: NO no no, slaves are not friends. Let me think ... Okay, friends are good people. Socrates: Friends are good people, you say? But ... don't bad people have friends too? Lysis: I suppose they do ... Socrates: Couldn't two bad people be friends with one another? Lysis: I suppose they could ... Socrates: So if I understand correctly, a friend could be a bad person who doesn't help me, as long as he is not a slave. Lysis: Socrates, now I am confused. I don't think I know what a friend is either! :) Now, can you imagine a similar argument about the issue you have chosen?   APA FORMAT SAMPLE ATTACHED!