Week_Five_Study_Questions_

Study Questions for PHIL 1033 - Week Five

Socratic Gadfly

• Socrates describes himself as a gadfly in the Apology.

  • A gadfly is a challenge or provocation, similar to how a gadfly annoys a horse, encouraging it to wake up and move.

  • Importance of the gadfly on Socrates’ view:

    • Stimulates critical thinking and self-examination in society.

    • Encourages the pursuit of truth and knowledge.

Mind-Body Dualism in Phaedo

• Socrates asserts that minds and bodies have opposite features:

  • Mind (non-physical, immortal, indivisible) vs. Body (physical, mortal, divisible).

  • Highlights the distinction between the eternal nature of the mind and the transient nature of the body.

Perfect Entities

• Perfect entities superior to bodies:

  • Example: Forms or Ideas (e.g., Beauty, Justice).

  • Argument for superiority over physical things:

    • Perfect entities are eternal and unchanging, unlike physical things that are imperfect and transient.

  • Socrates’ view on earthly life:

    • We should focus on the intellect and seek wisdom.

Afterlife Perspectives

• Socrates assumes humans hope for an afterlife:

  • Activities available in the afterlife:

    • Pursuit of wisdom and knowledge without the physical distractions.

  • Rationale for getting a head start:

    • Engage in philosophical discussions and moral improvement now.

Role of Senses and Sensory Pleasure

• Socrates’ view:

  • Senses are unreliable and bodily pleasures distract from the pursuit of wisdom.

  • Importance of prioritizing the mind over sensory experiences in leading a good life.

The Harp Analogy

• Explanation of the harp analogy:

  • A harp produces music through strings, similar to how the brain is thought to produce thoughts.

  • Socrates argues:

    • Minds operate independently of the brain, indicating that thoughts and decisions are not solely products of physical processes.

  • Conclusion on how to live:

    • Focus on seeking wisdom and understanding rather than material or sensory pleasures.

Meaningful Life According to Socrates

• The most meaningful life:

  • A life dedicated to seeking wisdom, truth, and understanding, not wealth or superficial pleasures.

Cavendish's Arguments for Physicalism

• Cavendish presents two arguments:

  1. Arguments stemming from physical dependencies:

     • E.g., brain injuries and anesthesia demonstrate that thoughts depend on brain functions.

  2. The mind must be physical since it moves bodies, thus must have a physical aspect.

Objections to Socrates' View

• First objection:

  • Some assert that entities claimed to be more perfect than bodies are not truly perfect.

  • Challenge: We only see imperfect versions of supposed perfect forms (e.g., circles).

• Second objection:

  • A purely spiritual existence would lack meaning and purpose for human beings.

  • Critique: Socrates ignores the intrinsic needs and desires that humans have in relation to physical existence.

  • Socrates’ avoidance of discussing the needs for a fulfilling human experience in his vision of the afterlife.