Nature of Politics Midterm 1

What are the main points of Descartes’ How we Know?

What are the main points of Descartes’ How we Know?

Doubt everything.

I think therefore I am

Descartes' "How we Know" explores the philosophy of skepticism and rationalism, questioning knowledge through doubt and the existence of a thinking self.

What is Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or pleasure while minimizing pain and suffering for the greatest number of people.

What is Virtue Ethics?

Ethical theory focusing on developing good character traits to achieve moral behavior, emphasizing virtues like honesty and courage.

What is Eudaimonia?

Greek for "human flourishing" or "well-being."

Central in virtue ethics, it stresses fulfillment and virtuous living for a meaningful life.

What is deotology?

Ethical theory that judges the morality of actions based on their adherence to rules or duties, rather than their consequences.

what is the Categorical Imperative?

Moral principle by Kant requiring actions to be universalizable and done out of duty, not for personal gain or desire.

What is the central ethical dilemma in "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"?

The central ethical dilemma is whether it is justified to allow one person to suffer for the happiness of many in Omelas.

What is the conflict in The ones who walk away from omelas?

A child is held in captivity and brutalized to allow the utopia of Omelas to flourish.

What does Plato assert about kAllegory of the Cave

Things are in ideal forms, those ideal forms all exist already, we know what things are because we know there forms.

According to the Melian dialogues, what is justice/just action?

Might is right

justice is only among equals

What does “Euthyphro” imply about justice?

"Euthyphro" suggests that justice is not simply defined by the gods' approval, but rather by objective moral standards beyond divine commands.

Why does antigone think Creon’s law is unjust?

Antigone believes Creon's law goes against divine law and moral duty to bury her brother, Polynices, regardless of his actions.

Why does Creon believe his law is just?

Creon believes his law is just because he thinks it will maintain order and prevent chaos in Thebes.

Might is right - Creon is king

What commentary does “Antigone” make on justice and the law?

"Antigone" explores the conflict between divine law and human law, highlighting the complexities and limitations of both justice systems.

What are the three kinds of law?

family, divine and civic

According to Saint Augustine, what is the ‘city of god’?

The 'city of God' refers to the spiritual realm where God reigns supreme, contrasting with the earthly 'city of man'.

Moderation

According to Saint Augustine, what is the ‘city of man’?

The 'city of man' is corrupt and imperfect.

Passions influence how individuals go through life. People are not moderate

What are Aristotle’s virtue ethics?

We should act like the virtuous man would.

Everything in moderation

Define arete

Character trait that leads to a Eudaimonious life

What is Socrates’ main argument in the apology relating to law and justice?

Socrates argues that it is better to suffer injustice than to commit injustice, as harming others harms one's own soul.

In the apology what does Socrates say about wisdom?

Socrates claims that he is the wisest because he knows that he knows nothing.

Wisdom is the pursuit of knowledge

In “The Apology” what does Socrates say about the gods and their commands?

Socrates argues that one should prioritize reason and critical thinking over blindly following the gods' commands.

Define sophistry

Sophistry is a deceptive argument that seems valid but is actually flawed. It manipulates language and logic to appear convincing without being truthful.

What is “City of God” - Saint Augustine and what is it about?

"City of God" is a book by Saint Augustine that contrasts the city of man, driven by self-love and materialism, with the City of God, driven by love of God.

Define Epistemology

Branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge, its origins, and the justification of beliefs.

What conclusions are drawn about justice in Gorgias?

In Gorgias, Plato argues that true justice is based on knowledge and virtue, not merely the pursuit of power or self-interest.

What are the main themes in the Melian Dialogues?

Might makes right

What do the melian dialogues say about justice?

justice is between equals

define Temperance/moderation

self control

Avoid vices and corruption caused by excesses

define courage/fortitude

to stand up for what we believe is right/good

define Justice

social conciousness

Define Wisdom

pursuit of knowledge

What is the riddle of the sphinx?

"What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?" The answer is a human - crawling as a baby, walking as an adult, and using a cane in old age.

what does gorgias say about power and the law?

Gorgias believed that power, not the law, ultimately determines what is right and wrong in society.

What does the Gorgias dialogue suggest about natural rights?

The Gorgias dialogue suggests that natural rights are not inherent, but rather depend on the individual's ability to exercise self-control and moderation.

what are the conclusions made in the Gorgias dialogue?

The main conclusions in the Gorgias dialogue include the importance of pursuing knowledge and virtue over mere pleasure and the idea that true happiness comes from living a just and moral life.

What commentary does euthyphro make about the law and justice?

Euthyphro suggests that the law does not always equate to justice, as laws can be flawed or unjust in certain situations.

What commentary does “the apology” make about the law?

"The Apology" by Plato critiques the legal system by highlighting the unjust trial and execution of Socrates, questioning the fairness and integrity of the law.

What commentary does the oresteia make about justice?

The Oresteia suggests that the cycle of violence can only be broken through the establishment of a fair and just legal system.