Chapter 1-9 Overview: Plato, Socrates, and the Divided Line

Flashcards covering key ideas from the lecture notes on Plato, Socrates, the divided line, and related epistemology.

Who are the two central figures discussed in the notes and listed on the board?

Plato and Socrates.

For test purposes, how are Plato and Socrates treated in the notes?

As the same intellectual animal.

What does the notes say about politics after meeting Socrates on the street?

Politics is mostly bullshit.

How is Socrates characterized in relation to Jesus in the notes?

An elder, legendary figure charged with similar accusations as Christ.

What is the 'divided line' a central feature of, and what is its purpose?

A central epistemological concept in Plato's Republic used to differentiate levels of knowledge and reality.

How many levels are on each side of the divided line?

Four levels on the left and four levels on the right.

What is the first power of the soul described, and what is the Greek word associated with perception in this lecture?

Intuition (perception); the Greek term cited for perception is Pistis, defined narrowly as sensing appearances.

What is the Greek term for hypothetical/mathematical thinking on the divided line?

Dianoia (often spelled Deanoia in the notes).

What is the top power of the soul and its Greek name?

Nous (mind proper).

What is said about the objects on the upper levels of the divided line?

They are eternal essences (e.g., the Good, the Beautiful, God) and not directly accessible by experience.

What is the one-finger upward image in the divided line meant to indicate?

The ascent toward the realm of the forms/essences (the eternal.

What famous line about life and death is attributed to Socrates in the notes?

Life is a preparation for death.

What philosophical concept explains why learning begins with recollection?

All significant learning begins with recollection; the soul pre-exists and recalls knowledge.

How are essences described in relation to evidence and access?

Essences are eternal and not directly grounded in sensory evidence; intellect accesses them.

Which later philosopher is referenced in the conclusion?

Descartes.

What is the suggested view of the soul’s mortality and immortality discussed in Chapter 7?

The soul exists prior to embodiment and survives the body's demise; learning is recollection of preexisting knowledge.