PSCI 2004: Introduction to Western Political Thought - Plato, Socrates & Democratic Athens

Flashcards covering key figures, concepts, and definitions from the lecture on Plato, Socrates, and early Western Political Thought, specifically focusing on the Republic.

Socrates

A Greek philosopher (469-399 BC) who was Plato's teacher, known for his critical questioning and gadfly role; key character and narrator in Plato's Republic.

Plato

A Greek philosopher (427-347 BC), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle; founded the first European university in Academus in 385 BC and authored the Republic.

Thirty Tyrants

A pro-Sparta regime that governed Athens for 13 months after its defeat by Sparta in 404 BC.

Academus

The location where Plato founded the first European university in 385 BC.

Thucydides

An ancient Greek historian and author of 'History of the Peloponnesian War', which includes Pericles' funeral oration.

Pericles' funeral oration

A speech recorded by Thucydides, describing Athenian democracy as a pattern for others, favoring the many over the few.

Glaucon and Adeimantus

Plato's elder brothers, who appear as characters in his dialogue, the Republic.

Thrasymachus

A sophist character in Plato's Republic, known for his 'realist' view of justice.

Sophist

A professional teacher of rhetoric and argument in ancient Greece, often associated with relativistic or cynical views on morality.

Justice v. 1.0 (Cephalus)

An early definition of justice proposed by Cephalus: telling the truth and paying one's debts.

Justice v. 1.3 (Polemarchus)

A conventional definition of justice proposed by Polemarchus: doing good to one's friend if he is good, and harm to one's enemy if he is evil.

Socrates' 'gadfly role' (Philosophy)

Philosophy as a critical enterprise that questions popular conventions and prevailing moral standards.

Justice v. 2.0 (Thrasymachus's 'realist' view)

The definition that justice or right is simply what is in the interest of the stronger party (the established government).

Thrasymachus's view on morality

Conventional morality is merely a byproduct of oppression and exploitation, with class-conflict being a permanent feature, and the pursuit of narrow self-interest being natural and right.

Justice v. 2.1 (Glaucon's perspective)

Justice is often pursued for its rewards and reputation, but is inherently unpleasant and avoided if possible, making it a 'second-best' option.

Ring of Gyges

A thought experiment presented by Glaucon, suggesting that people would act unjustly if they could do so with impunity, implying justice is valued only for its external benefits.

Glaucon's challenge

The challenge to prove that justice is good in itself for its effect on the individual's mind, rather than solely for the reputation, honors, and rewards it brings.

'Community of pigs'

Socrates' term for a simple, non-luxurious city in the initial stages of constructing the just city.

Guardians (in the Republic)

The class of citizens needed to protect the luxurious city, who must possess 'high spirits' and 'the disposition of a philosopher.'

Platonic Form

An ideal quality that transcends space and time, manifesting within persons and cities, which cannot be viewed directly but can be understood by observing things that embody it (e.g., Justice).