exam 1 polisci

What does Machiavelli say about virtue?

He defines virtue as qualities that are praised by others, such as generosity, compassion, and piety.

Also see - http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/prince/themes.html

What does Machiavelli say about generosity?

Machiavelli basically says generosity can hurt a prince if the prince is unwise, but it can also be good if the prince knows how to control it. It is more important for the prince to keep his power by being a bit mean than it is for him to be generous and loved. Being generous is a good thing, but only when it is given wisely.

Liberality, or generosity, is a quality that many men admire. But if a prince develops a reputation for generosity, he will ruin his state. A reputation for generosity requires outward lavishness, which eventually depletes all of the prince's resources. In the end, the prince will be forced to burden his people with excessive taxes in order to raise the money to maintain his reputation for generosity. Ultimately, the prince's liberality will make the people despise and resent him. Moreover, any prince who attempts to change his reputation for generosity will immediately develop a reputation for being a miser.

Also see - http://luftyapeuro.blogspot.com/2010/10/according-to-machiavelli-when-is.html

What does Machiavelli say about cruelty?

Inflict all the cruelty at once, then never again. If he commits cruelty towards his subjects, the he is endangering himself by breeding hatred and resentment among the populace.

What does Machiavelli say about love and fear?

"it is much safer to be feared than loved because ...love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails."

"It is best to be both feared and loved; however, if one cannot be both it is better to be feared than loved."

According to Machiavelli, what is the best way to acquire a new state?

By fortune or strength, a prince can acquire a new principality with his own army or with the arms of others.

It is much easier to maintain control over a new principality if the people share the same language and customs as the prince's own country. If this is the case, the prince has to do only two things: destroy the family of the former prince, and maintain the principality's laws and taxes. People will live quietly and peacefully so long as their old ways of life are undisturbed.

What does Machiavelli say about fortune?

Chapter XXV discusses the role of fortune in the determination of human affairs. Many thinkers have considered the question of whether a man's actions are a manifestation of his own free will, or if they are simply determined by fate or his environment. Machiavelli attempts to compromise between free will and determinism by arguing that fortune controls half of human actions and leaves the other half to free will. But Machiavelli also argues that, through foresight—a quality whose importance Machiavelli stresses throughout The Prince—people can shield themselves against fortune's slings and arrows. Thus, Machiavelli can be described as confident in the capabilities of human beings to shape their destinies, but skeptical that such control is absolute. Fortune favors energetic youth over cautious age.

According to Machiavelli, how should princes honor their word?

Machiavelli acknowledges that a prince who honors his word is generally praised by others. But historical experience demonstrates that princes achieve the most success when they are crafty, cunning, and able to trick others. There are two ways of fighting: by law or by force. Laws come naturally to men, force comes naturally to beasts. In order to succeed, the prince must learn how to fight both with laws and with force—he must become half man and half beast.

In dealing with people, a prince must break his promises when they put him at a disadvantage and when the reasons for which he made the promises no longer exist. In any case, promises are never something on which a prince can rely, since men are by nature wretched and deceitful. A prince should be a master of deception.

According to Machiavelli, above all else, what must a prince avoid?

Of all the things he must guard against, hatred and contempt come first, and liberality leads to both.

When inducing fear, however, a prince must be careful to avoid inducing hatred. He must make sure that any executions are properly justified. Above all, a prince should never confiscate the property of his subjects or take their women, since these actions are most likely to breed hatred. If a prince must confiscate property, he must make sure he has a convincing reason. With one's army, however, there is no such thing as too much cruelty. Keeping an army disciplined and united requires cruelty, even inhuman cruelty.

According to Machiavelli, what are the different ways a prince can act to win honor?

Chapters XXI and XXII underscore the importance of appearing honorable and wise. This goal can be achieved partly through the selection of a loyal and competent personal staff. Machiavelli distinguishes between a virtuous appearance and an honorable, wise appearance. Appearing virtuous—generous, benevolent, and pious—is desirable but not necessary. However, appearing honorable and sagacious is crucial. Machiavelli's preference for some good qualities over others—for example, courage and decisiveness over generosity—is grounded in a practical argument. Generosity is undesirable because it wastes capital resources; decisiveness is desirable because it breeds respect among allies and subjects.

What sort of people must a prince strive to gather around himself? Avoid?

He must gather himself around people who make the state friendly towards them. He must avoid people who induce hatred.

What are the different kinds of principalities that Machiavelli discusses?

Machiavelli lists four types of principalities:

Hereditary principalities, which are inherited by the ruler

Mixed principalities, territories that are annexed to the ruler's existing territories

New principalities, which may be acquired by several methods: by one's own power, by the power of others, by criminal acts or extreme cruelty, or by the will of the people (civic principalities)

Ecclesiastical principalities, namely the Papal States belonging to the Catholic church

What are the different kinds of troops that Machiavelli discusses?

Machiavelli lists four types of armies:

Mercenaries or hired soldiers, which are dangerous and unreliable

Auxiliaries, troops that are loaned to you by other rulers—also dangerous and unreliable

Native troops, composed of one's own citizens or subjects—by far the most desirable kind

Mixed troops, a combination of native troops and mercenaries or auxiliaries—still less desirable than a completely native army

According to Machiavelli, why have the Italian princes lost their states?

The rulers of Italy have lost their states by ignoring the political and military principles Machiavelli enumerates.

What is king's purpose in writing the letter?

that he believes the Birmingham clergymen who think his protests are a mistake are basically good- but misguided- men

Why did king decide to protest in Birmingham?

because it was the most raciest city in the south

What does he believe about injustice in Birmingham?

that injustice is a threat to just everywhere

What does he think about one person being hurt due to racial injustice?

that everyone is affected

What does he say about the types of laws that he will obey?

he will obey just and fair laws and that he will disobey unjust laws

what type of nonviolent actions does he espouse?

marches, sit-ins, and boycotts as form of disobedience

What is the non-violent actions meant to cause?

tension in the community so that change will occur

What do clergymen want him to do

to wait

Why does King not want to wait?

because american blacks have already waiting 340 years for racial equality

Where does king also point out that independence is being obtained?

africa and latin america

why does king allude to early christians?

because they were not afraid to disobey Rome's unjust laws

Why does King allude to Paul Tillich's opinion that sin is separation?

to prove his argument against segregation

Ancient philosophers spent much of their time arguing about what?

the nature of the good life/how are we to live

What did Archelaus do?

seized political power by brutally killing his family

What is the central question of Plato's early masterpiece, the Gorgias?

What is the right way to live? / Right vs wrong / Is it okay to do bad things?

Who is Gorgias?

a rhetoric teacher and sophist author

What is rhetoric?

the art of persuasive teaching

Who does Socrates argue with in this dialogue?

Gorgias, Polus, and Callicles (3 sophists)

Who are Polus and Callicles?

two of Gorgias' studnets

What idea does Callicles defend?

immorality, saying its better to do the wrong thing if you can get away with it

Initially, Socrates wants to discover what? But, what does he end up defending?

rhetoric ; virtue

According to Gorgias, what does the person who has mastered rhetoric do?

convince his/her audience to believe whatever the rhetorician is saying

Does Gorgias think that he can teach what is good and evil?

yes

Polus interrupts Socrates and demands that Socrates give his own definition of rhetoric. What does Socrates think that rhetoric is?

a skill without the necessary knowledge to use it properly

What does Socrates think that true power is?

the ability to do what is truly good for you

What is one of Socrates' most famous doctrines?

It is better to suffer wrongdoing than to do wrong yourself

Who does Polus believe has power?

the rhetoricians

What does Socrates get Polus to agree with?

justice is a good thing, injustice is a bad thing

What does Socrates think about justice and injustice?

justice: beneficial but not pleasant

injustice: bad and harmful but pleasant

What is the classic definition of virtue for Socrates?

knowing how to get what is really good in order to have what is beneficial

What is Socrates' attitude towards death? Multiple answers

1. Much rather die after having made his speech because he could not live doing things that are unworthy of him

2. There is nothing bad for a good man, whether living or dead

3. Willing to die many times if he knew that it meant getting to converse with the brilliant minds of that time period

Why does Crito say Socrates should escape? Multiple answers

1. Because they will kill him

2. Worries about the opinions of the many

3. Socrates should be a defender of his own

What is the prime motivator of Crito's concern?

Public opinion

What does Crito not understand?

A person having an obligation to a polis

What is the central teaching of Crito?

Political philosophy cannot exist without the polis

According to Socrates, if Athens has all the power what should they be able to do?

They should not only be able to take life, but to give life

How is Socrates politically responsible?

He dies for the laws even though it is the polis that hurt him

What is Socrates doing when Crito arrives in his cell?

Socrates was sleeping

Crito says there could be no worse reputation than what?

The reputation of one valuing money more highly than one's friends.

Why does Crito think one must heed he opnion of the majority?

The majority can inflict the greatest of evils when slandered against.

Wat does Socrates say the majority does?

Socrates says that they could inflict things haphazardly, but they cannot make a man wise or foolish.

Crito's six reasons for why it is wrong for Socrates to submit to being executed?

1. Why hasten his fate to die when he can save it.

2. He is betraying his family

3. A good and courteous man would not submit.

4. Submitting would also shame his friends.

5. It shames Socrates because he could escape and he won't.

6. The whole proceeding was unjust and should not have happened.

What does Socrates say persuades him?

The argument that on reflections seems best to him.

What opinions does Socrates value and why?

Socrates values the good opinions because good opinions are those of wise men.

What does Socrates say is the most important thing?

The most important thing is not life, but the good life.

What universal principle does Socrates embrace?

One must not do wrong to any man no matter what he may have done to you.

What agreement does Socrates say he has made with the Laws of Athens?

That he will not disobey the law even though they have wronged him.

What two options does Socrates have regarding Athenian law?

You must either persuade the law or obey it.

What do the Laws say are "man's most precious possessions"?

Virtue and justice along with lawful behavior and the laws.

Why does Crito have nothing to say at the end of the dialogue?

Because Socrates simplified the argument of why he shouldn't escape and Crito cannot convince him any further. Socrates is so absolute that Crito is overwhelmed.

Why is it wrong to escape from Athens?

Socrates has chosen to live in Athens and therefore has to obey by Athens' laws.

Who is the source of the speech Socrates gives in the Crito?

The laws.

What is Crito worried about?

Socrates' impending execution

How does Socrates feel in his cell?

At ease because it would be unusual to fear death at his age

What is Crito worried will happen if Socrates stays in prison?

People will think he cared more about money than the fate of his friend

What does Socrates tell Crito in response to his fears?

He shouldn't care about the opinion of the masses

What does Socrates say has to be proven before he will leave?

That it is just

Why does Socrates say it will be wrong for him to escape?

He has an agreement with Athens to follow the laws; did not agree to exile

What does Socrates care about?

Doing what is just

What happens if Socrates leaves prison without first persuading the state to let him?

He is breaking his agreement to obey the laws of the state

What happens if people disobey laws when they please?

They have no meaning and the state will fail

If Socrates ran what would he be confirming?

Athens' verdict against him

Why does Crito state that one must pay attention to the masses?

The masses can inflict the greatest evils

Plato's Apology was written in the golden age of Athens, what was the time period?

470-399 BC

How does Socrates prove in the opening lines that he tells the truth unlike Meletus?

When speaking in court he uses words he would use in the marketplace instead of rhetoric as used for appearance in court.

How did Socrates get the reputation of being wise?

A friend, Chaerephon, went to Delphi (the oracle) and asked if there was a man wiser than Socrates to which the god answered no

What was Socrates response to the oracle?

He did not believe he had any wisdom, however he beleived gods could not lie, therefore he set out to find a man more wise than he.

Is Socrates' response to the oracle pious?

He sought to be exactly what the oracle said he was, he went to explore himself and find whether he was in fact the wisest believing that he was not and in doing so proved the oracle right meaning that his response was pious.

Who were the three people Socrates interviewed and why were they perceived to be wise?

Politicians (because they could persuade so many people), Poets (create elaborate passages and poems), Artisans (workmen know how to do so many things that surely Socrates did not know how to build or make)

What is Socrates counter argument of him being a corrupter of the youth?

Meletus foolishly says that all of the judges and all Athenians improve the youth, except for Socrates in which Socrates explains how that is terribly false using the horse analogy about how you wouldn't let everyone train your horse, proving Meletus does not truly care about the improvement of youth

What does Socrates conclude after interviewing the three groups?

Socrates is wiser than any of the others because he is aware of his own ignorance and they are not. He does not have self-deception.

Who are the new accusers and what are these accusations?

Meletus (Poets), Anytus (Artisans), Lycon (Politicians)

That Socrates is an evil doer, corrupter of the youth, he does not believe in the gods of the state (being athiest), has new divinities of his own.

What are the old accusations why does Socrates fear them the most?

There are so many of them, he cannot call them all by name, they were told of his evil doing since they were young and impressionable and didn't know any better to argue. These have been presiding for so long which is why he is most afraid of the old accusations. He was given a bad reputation and a comedic play was even made on him by Aristophanes and contributed to an unpopular opinion even though it was not meant to be taken literally.

What is Socrates counterargument for being an athiest.

Meletus agrees that Socrates is an athiest. However, if Socrates preaches about other divinities, just not the ones of the state this infers that he does believe in gods and divine natures just not ones of the state therefore he is not an athiest as he is accused of being.

What is Socrates counter argument of being an evil doer?

Meletus agrees that the good do their neighbors good and no one likes to be injured and Socrates intentionally does youth harm. In which case it makes no sense that Socrates would harm others because in turn he would harm himself, if he did harm others it was unintentional in which the court does not prosecute unintentional cases. (No one would willingly do evil)

What was Socrates conclusion about the nature of human wisdom?

We are not very rational and we love our own vices. We do not like to be made fools and would rather blame others than look to ourselves to blame.

How does Socrates' definition of wisdom influence his strategy at trial?

He proves that he is wise because he does not believe he is all - knowing and has gone on to explore himself and his beliefs.

What does Socrates say about fear?

Fear is a pretense of wisdom, he is wise because he does not fear death more then he fears of doing an unrighteous or unholy thing

How does Socrates analyze death?

It is a gain either he will go into a peaceful sleep in which eternity is measured in one night or he will go onto where many leaders and philosophers like himself are and he will be able to converse with them.

Major issues of the examined life, expertise, democracy, education, the common good, relationship between piety and philosophy

-the examined life is not worth living (philosophy is necessary to find what is valuable in life)

-expertise is where you go to find the answers, not anyone can be wise on any topic

-democracy is wrong because we ask non experts about how to define laws and put leaders in charge

-education: Socrates believes in critical thinking, knowledge is excellence

-common good: instrumental view of society, purpose of society is to help you be happy

-Philosophy is a holy (pious) way of life