PLSI/PHIL 333PLSI/PHIL 333Political Philosophy/thought

midterm reviewSpring 2012

Political Philosophy/thoughtmidterm review

Spring 2012

Plato’s, The Apology of Socrates

• What is philosophy?

• What is Socrates’ defense against the city?

• Explain, “the unexamined life is not worth living.”

• We discussed several accusations against the Socratic form of philosophy: 1) that it does not believe in the gods of the city, 2) that it corrupts the youth, and 3) that it is useless. Discuss two of these accusations and the manner by which Socrates refutes them.

Plato’s Republic• In Book V of The Republic, Socrates discusses

the three waves of paradox: 1) the equality of the sexes, 2) the communalization of the family, and 3) the philosopher-king. Select one of the these paradoxes, and 1) describe why, according to Socrates, it is a paradox, and 2) explain why it is necessary for a just society.

• By founding the city in speech, the discussants define justice as the rule: one person, one art. Explain how, according to Socrates, this rule applies to both the governing of the city and the governing of one’s own soul.

Plato’s Republic

• In Book I, three views of justice are discussed and each is found to be lacking in intellectual/logical consistency. Later in The Republic, justice in the city is defined by the principle of: one person, one art. How, and in what sense, does this principle correct or advance the previous views of justice appearing in Book I?

Machiavelli’sLa Mandragola

• Law, morality, and established beliefs are at odds with private desire throughout La Mandragola. Discuss the comic resolution of this tension. How does this resolution reflect Machiavelli’s political philosophy?