Ancient Philosophy Midterm Study Questions

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and terms from Ancient Philosophy, specifically focusing on ideas relevant to the midterm exam preparation.

Self-predication

A key claim of Plato’s theory of Forms, stating that each Form has the property of which it is the Form and can be predicated of itself.

Touchstone

Socrates describes Callicles as a 'touchstone' of the soul due to his qualities as a good interlocutor: knowledge, good will, and frankness.

Meno’s Paradox

A philosophical dilemma presented in Plato's Meno, questioning how one can search for knowledge of something they do not know.

Aition

A Greek term referring to a cause or reason for something, often discussed in philosophical contexts regarding explanations.

Care of the soul

A concept in ancient philosophy emphasizing the importance of tending to the soul through virtues and wisdom.

Induction (epagōgē)

A method of reasoning that involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations.

Essential property

A characteristic that defines what something is and distinguishes it from other entities.

Suffering injustice

A condition discussed in philosophy, particularly by Plato, that highlights moral and ethical implications of wrongdoing.

Priority of Definition

The philosophical principle that understanding the essence of a thing is foundational before exploring its properties.

Human wisdom

A concept attributed to Socratic philosophy, recognizing the limitations of human knowledge and the pursuit of understanding.

Hedonism

A philosophical theory advocating pleasure as the highest good and primary aim of human life.

Method of Hypothesis

A philosophical method used primarily by Socrates and Plato, involving proposing hypotheses to explain phenomena.

Phusis

The Greek term for nature, often discussed in the context of understanding the natural world through philosophy.

Tyrant

A ruler who wields absolute power, often discussed in relation to moral philosophy and justice.

Cloak

A metaphor used in philosophical discourse to represent cover, pretense, or aspects of identity.

Gadfly

A term used by Socrates to describe himself as one who provokes and stimulates critical thinking among others.

Elenchus

The Socratic method of questioning aimed at refuting an argument by revealing contradictions.

Oratory

The art of public speaking, significant in philosophical discussions of rhetoric and persuasion.

Participation

A concept in Plato's theory regarding how material phenomena relate to the Forms.

Nomos

A Greek term meaning 'law' or 'custom', often explored in philosophical discussions about morality and justice.