Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 200) Midterm Study Guide

Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 200) Midterm Study Guide

Exam Details

  • Date: The midterm will be held in class on Thursday, Oct. 9.

  • Format and Instructions:

    • The midterm will consist of ten identification questions and three mini-essay questions.

    • Students must answer each question in the space provided, with no aids allowed.

    • The total grade for the exam will be out of fifty points.

I. Identification Questions

  • Instructions: Give a brief explanation (one to two sentences) of each concept, identifying it in the context of the course.

    • Ten out of the twenty concepts below will appear on the exam. Each identification question will be worth two points, for a total of twenty points.

    • Grading: Good (2pts), satisfactory (1pt), unsatisfactory (0pts).

Key Concepts

  • Self-predication:

    • One of the key claims of Plato’s theory of Forms. Each Form has the property of which it is the Form and thus can be predicated of itself.

  • Touchstone:

    • Socrates describes Callicles as a "touchstone" of the soul because he possesses the qualities of a good interlocutor: knowledge, good will, and frankness.

  • Meno’s Paradox:

    • A philosophical puzzle presented by Meno regarding the nature of knowledge and learning, raising the question of how one can seek knowledge of something one does not know.

  • Aition:

    • A term referring to a principle or cause, as underlying why something happens or exists in philosophical discourse.

  • "Care of the Soul":

    • A major theme in Socratic philosophy emphasizing the importance of self-examination and the moral development of individuals.

  • Induction (epagōgē):

    • A method of reasoning from specific cases to general principles, which is used prominently in philosophical arguments.

  • Essential property:

    • Characteristics that define the nature or essence of an entity, crucial to discussions in metaphysics.

  • “Suffering injustice”:

    • A concept discussed by Socrates regarding moral philosophy and the implications of wrongdoing.

  • Priority of Definition:

    • The importance of defining terms clearly before engaging in philosophical discussion to ensure mutual understanding.

  • “Human wisdom”:

    • Concept associated with Socratic wisdom, recognizing one’s own limitations in knowledge.

  • Hedonism:

    • The philosophical theory that pleasure or happiness is the highest good.

  • Pastry baking:

    • Example provided during discussions on practical knowledge, illustrating a specific application of skills or techniques.

  • Method of Hypothesis:

    • A philosophical method that involves forming hypotheses in order to test them through reasoned argumentation.

  • Phusis:

    • A Greek term meaning "nature," often discussed in relation to natural philosophy and cosmology.

  • Tyrant:

    • Often referred to in philosophical discussions on justice, governance, and ethics.

  • Cloak:

    • Could refer metaphorically to covering one's true intentions; context needed for precise meaning.

  • Gadfly:

    • A term used by Socrates to describe his role in society as one who provokes and challenges others to think critically.

  • Elenchus:

    • The Socratic method of questioning that leads interlocutors to realize contradictions in their beliefs, thereby deepening understanding.

  • Oratory:

    • The art of public speaking, particularly in relation to persuasive arguments in philosophy.

  • Participation:

    • Discussed in terms of how individual objects relate to the Forms in Platonic philosophy.

  • Nomos:

    • A Greek term meaning "law" or "custom," significant in discussions about ethics and societal norms.

II. Mini-Essay Questions

  • Instructions: Give a complete but concise answer to each question in paragraph form (roughly two good-sized paragraphs). Three out of the six questions below will appear on the exam. Each mini-essay question will be worth ten points, for a total of thirty points. Mini-essay questions will be graded according to overall quality of answers.

Possible Essay Questions

  1. The Phaedo and the Fear of Death:
    (a) What is death according to Socrates?
    (b) In what sense is philosophy preparation for death?

  2. Socrates vs. Callicles in the Gorgias:
    (a) Explain Socrates' objection relating Callicles' account of the good to filling leaky jars.
    (b) Detail Callicles' response to this objection.

  3. Courage in the Laches:
    (a) What type of knowledge does Nicias associate with courage? Include a comparison to a seer’s knowledge.
    (b) Why do the interlocutors reject Nicias' definition of courage?

  4. Recollection Argument in the Phaedo:
    (a) Explain Socrates’ reasoning that Forms are separate from sensible particulars.
    (b) How do we demonstrate knowledge of the Forms?

  5. Aristophanes' Account of Love in the Symposium:
    (a) Describe Aristophanes’ mythical story regarding the origins of love.
    (b) How does this account explain two puzzling aspects of love?

  6. Socrates and the Oracle of Delphi:
    (a) Explain Socrates' interpretation of the oracle proclaiming him the wisest.
    (b) Discuss the positive value of Socrates’ cognitive state stemming from this claim.