茫然

第一回觉得哲学论文这么没头绪....基本跟砖头一样的大厚书就这么对在我的眼前....

History of Ancient Philosophy
Exam Two
Please answer five of the following eight questions. You must answer a minimum of two
questions from each section. Please write grammatically and be as specific as you can.
Feel free to quote from the primary texts if you need to back up your responses but do
not let the quotes themselves make your arguments for you. 1000 words per question.
Section 1: Plato, Socrates and the Sophists
1.
Explain one of the arguments Socrates makes use of against Protagoras
(in 329c-351b).
2.
In the Apology Socrates claims that by putting him to death, Meletus, Anytus and
the men of Athens harm themselves more than they harm him. Why does he say
this? Make reference to the Gorgias in your answer.
3.
The soul, according to the Republic, consists of three distinct parts. What are
these parts? What evidence does Plato offer for the separation? Is that evidence
convincing -- i.e., do you think you are made up of three distinct elements in this
way?
4.
Explain the allegory of the cave in non-metaphorical terms. As part of your answer
make sure to explain what the fire in the cave represents? What about the sun?
The shadows? The walk upward? The return? Etc. (Hint: look also at the allegory
of the line. It’s structurally parallel and easier to think about.)
Section 2: Aristotle and the Hellenistic Philosophers
5.
Explain the nature of a pair of shoes and of an acorn in terms of Aristotle’s four
causes. How do they differ? How are they nonetheless similar?
6.
Explain why change (or generation and decay) presented a problem for the
Greeks. How do the categories and the distinction between form and matter help
Aristotle offer a solution.
7.
How does Aristotle understand virtue (eudaimonia)? Please give a detailed
answer.
8.
Explain Aristotle’s conception of “friendship” or “association”. What sorts
of goals produce associations and friendships? How do unequal relationships
work? Why does a virtuous the person need friends?