FYS- Plato Quiz 1 Flashcards
What is Socrates like as a philosopher and why is that important?
Socrates is a philosopher that displays the, “think with logic and not emotion” mindset, often approaching his arguments with deductive questioning and constructive analyzation. He often takes a questioning approach which is used to challenge assumptions made by those he questions. However, he also does not specifically engage others to partake in his philosophical discussions. This is important because he was killed for allegedly corrupting the youth and forcefully spreading his philosophical views, which in the lens of Plato, is seen as untrue.
How does Cephalus describe being old and why is it a “blessing”?
Cephalus primarily refers to it as something that plays more of a benefit than harm. It is seen as a “blessing” to him for a multitude of reasons. For one, Cephalus describe being old as freedom from worldly desires, typically seen in the form of lust and temptation. He goes further to say that once one accepts their age, they live a life of contentment through reflecting over a virtuous life. Lastly, rather than being consumed by material things, which is consumed typically by the youth, he is able to focus on dispensing wisdom, through the intricate reflection of his life and the others around him.
Why does Socrates indicate that Justice is NOT helping friends and harming enemies? (334b)
He indicates this for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, he explains that HARMING enemies can simply lead to worsened behaviors of the enemy, which would lead yo a continual cycle of unwanted behaviors. He also explains that if helping a friend will lead to disastrous outcomes, then one should avoid helping that friend, because it would not be optimal for the environment around them. (weapon analogy).
Why does Socrates think that Justice is not the advantage of the stronger? (338c)
He thinks this because in most situations, the “stronger” is not seen with the advantage over what they are ruling. This example is seen through his “Arts” analogy. For one, in medicine, the benefit is seen in the patient’s body, not the doctor’s. In piloting, it is for the good of the sailors, not the captain. In horsemanship, it is for the good of the horse, not for the man riding the horse. Therefore, he creates something similar to what we see as modern day syllogism, by deducing that because of those previous analogy claims, in POLITICS, the good is seen in the lens of the citizens and not the one ruling.
Why does Socrate think ruling is not an art? (342b)
He does think ruling is an art because it doesn’t serve to directly benefit the person who is ruling. In the analogies he used, because they have to use material things such as money as an incentive to continue their ruling, it is not a true art because it doesn’t benefit their conscience. He believes art revolves around solely expertise and skill over having to rely on power and influence over others,
Why does Socrates think that Justice is more profitable than injustice?
He explains that justice is more profitable because of its long term benefits on earth and in the afterlife. His ideology revolves around the concept that lying, cheating, and stealing does not benefit the individual in the long term, as it creates a disrupted subconscious, which is not able to move forward in life. Additionally, he indicates that a just person has a well organized soul. These “just” people carry on these beneficial behaviors in the afterlife.
