2: Pre-socratic Philosophers and Socrates Flashcards
According to Protagoras, what is the nature of truth?
A) It is absolute and universal.
B) It is based on the perceptions of individuals.
C) It can be tested and proven.
D) It is irrelevant to human experience.
B) It is based on the perceptions of individuals.
What were the Sophists primarily known for?
A) Developing scientific theories
B) Specializing in rhetoric and teaching philosophy
C) Writing poetry
D) Conducting experiments
B) Specializing in rhetoric and teaching philosophy
What does Protagoras mean by saying “Man is the measure of all things”?
A) Humans can define objective truth.
B) Knowledge is relative to individual perceptions.
C) There is a universal standard for truth.
D) Man’s intellect is superior to all other beings.
B) Knowledge is relative to individual perceptions.
Gorgias famously argued that:
A) Everything can be known and communicated.
B) Nothing exists, and if it did, it could not be known or communicated.
C) Knowledge is the ultimate goal of philosophy.
D) Justice is defined by societal norms.
B) Nothing exists, and if it did, it could not be known or communicated.
Thrasymachus believed that justice is:
A) An objective truth that everyone must follow.
B) Whatever benefits the strongest party.
C) A moral obligation that must be upheld.
D) The same for all people regardless of power.
B) Whatever benefits the strongest party.
What is a key feature of Socrates’ philosophy?
A) The importance of wealth and power
B) Ethical wisdom and the pursuit of virtue
C) The denial of the soul’s existence
D) Emphasis on rhetoric over philosophy
B) Ethical wisdom and the pursuit of virtue
Socrates emphasized the importance of:
A) Following public opinion
B) Knowing oneself
C) Acquiring material wealth
D) Listening to the Sophists
B) Knowing oneself
According to Socrates, what is the relationship between knowledge and virtue?
A) Knowledge and virtue are unrelated.
B) Knowledge leads to virtue; ignorance leads to vice.
C) Virtue can exist without knowledge.
D) Knowledge is irrelevant to living a good life.
B) Knowledge leads to virtue; ignorance leads to vice.
What does Socrates mean by “an unexamined life is not worth living”?
A) Life without wealth is unfulfilling.
B) Philosophical reflection is essential for a meaningful life.
C) Following societal norms is sufficient for a good life.
D) Knowledge of facts is all that matters.
B) Philosophical reflection is essential for a meaningful life.
Socrates described the essence of man as:
A) The body
B) The psyche, which includes the mind and soul
C) The pursuit of power
D) Social status
B) The psyche, which includes the mind and soul
According to Socratic philosophy, wrongdoing is:
A) Always intentional and malevolent
B) Involuntary and a result of ignorance
C) A necessary part of human nature
D) Justified if it benefits the individual
B) Involuntary and a result of ignorance
What is Socrates’ view on the role of the soul?
A) The soul has no impact on behavior.
B) The soul animates the body and directs behavior.
C) The soul is irrelevant to ethics.
D) The soul should be ignored in philosophical inquiries.
B) The soul animates the body and directs behavior.
Socrates believed that true respectability comes from:
A) Following popular opinion
B) Proper reasoning and expertise
C) Wealth and social status
D) Charismatic leadership
B) Proper reasoning and expertise
In Socratic philosophy, what is the purpose of learning?
A) To acquire power over others
B) To bring forth the inherent goodness in individuals
C) To memorize facts
D) To gain social acceptance
B) To bring forth the inherent goodness in individuals
What did Socrates mean by saying “knowledge should not be theoretical and speculative”?
A) Knowledge should be practical and applied to life.
B) Knowledge should be entirely abstract.
C) Knowledge should be based on authority figures.
D) Knowledge is irrelevant to daily activities.
A) Knowledge should be practical and applied to life.
