Plato

In Allegory of the Cave: What do the shadows on the cave wall represent?

things of the world

In Allegory of the Cave: What do the chains represent?

look straight ahead

In Allegory of the Cave: Who do the prisoners represent?

us in the world

In Allegory of the Cave: What does the Cave itself represent?

our world

What is the main point of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave?

get away from ignorance

our world is a poor reflection of true reality, as shadows in cave are of objects on the stage of cave

According to Plato, can we get genuine knowledge via our 5 senses?

No = poor reflection of reality (genuine knowledge)

For Plato, what is the Ultimate Knowledge?

form of the good

For Plato, what is the Ultimate Reality

form of the good

Why does Plato compare the sun of the Form of The Good?

point out enlightenment of form of good

all should be attracted

What are the 3 types of good to which Plato refers?

1. intrinsic - valued for what you are

2. instrumental value - value what it can do

3. both - what it is & what it can do

What is Theasymachus’ view of “justice”?

unjust man is better & happier than the just man

taking what they want

asserting will over weak

According to the Popular Opinion, who would praise justice?

the weak = band together

What is the point of the story about the Ring of Gyges in the Republic?

power of invisibility

good can become evil once given the chance

What is justice according to Plate: City-State?

order/harmony in a just state

What is justice according to Plate: Human Person"?

order of harmony

Explain “Letters Writ Large”

virtues = proper life for human being

larger & easier to study

What does Plato try to accomplish with the Myth of the Metals?

each class will accept their position

Explain each of the 3 parts of the soul per Plato

soul - areté

reason - wisdom

spirit - courage

desire - temperance

How does Plato define temperance?

an “ordering or controlling of desires & pleasures”

consensual agreement

as to which should we

What was Plato trying to prove with the Story of Leontius?

there is a spirit

we don’t always do what is right even though we know what that is

“weakness of will”

Plato compares justice to health; what is his point with this?

better state of being

do things better

intrinsic & instrumental

For Plato, what is evil?

type of ignorance = lack of knowledge

Did Plato believe that morality could be taught?

yes = no one would do evil if they really knew what they were doing

can be educated to be good people

What is Plato’s final criticism of Thrasymachus?

doesn’t know what the people dishonor

they don’t know what they don’t know