Plato

Question 0

Three central ideas

Answer 0

1) theory of reality- theory of forms
2) theory of man- tri part soul
3) theory of the state- philosopher kings

Question 1

Basics about him

Answer 1

Student of Socrates for 8 years. Anti democratic and empirical. Created first university and first full philosophical system. Taught Aristotle

Question 2

Idealism

Answer 2

Argues that the fundamental nature of all reality is mind or consciousness

Question 3

Relativity

Answer 3

The emphasis on the diversity and non absoluteness of reason, knowledge, morality and beauty.
Plato disagrees. Man is the measure of all things
If this was true no standard of truth exists. All knowledge is relative to the views of various people or groups. No absolute knowledge exists

Question 4

Flux

Answer 4

Constant change. Can’t step into the same river twice.

All things change. Continual motion. Knowledge is never secure

Question 5

Plates response to relativity

Answer 5

Claims relativity and flux are insufficient in explaining reality and knowledge. Argues for an objective, immutable, absolute reality is the true study of philosophy

Question 6

Theory of forms

Answer 6

Forms are the perfect versions of the particular things in this world
Ex: cat ness
Arranged in structural hierarchy. Concrete at bottom, abstract at top which possess more truth and being

Question 7

Forms continued

Answer 7

Forms are ineligible to the mind. Vision of the good finally grants true knowledge and mortality
Above forms there is a single form from which all things flow and possess truth

Question 8

Nonbeing

Answer 8

Illusions

Question 9

Abstract thought

Answer 9

True but limited knowledge

Question 10

Systematic dialectic knowledge

Answer 10

True knowledge

Question 11

Platos ethical three part soul

Answer 11

Universal condition
Human life as conflicting tendencies
“Two souls alas are dwelling in my breast. And one is striving to forsake its brother”

Question 12

The rational

Answer 12

Is the chariot driver.
Reflects and thinks. Gains knowledge
Inhibiting principle( intervenes with appetites)
Represents the responsible lover. Restrains physical appetites
Corespondent virtue is wisdom

Question 13

The spirited element

Answer 13

Seeks success. Lion aspect of the soul. Corresponding virtue is courage.
Good horse- willing to obey chariot driver. Pursues honor. Restrained by shame. Resists moral evil via courage

Question 14

The appetites

Answer 14

The desires- lust, gluttony, greed
Symbol- many headed dragon. Bad horse
Corresponding virtue is temperance
Irresponsible lover. Only sensually driven