Classical Philosophy Concepts Quiz

Questions and Answers

What kind of definition of concepts does Socrates insist on from his interlocutors in early dialogues like Laches and Euthypro?

Socrates insists on conceptual or philosophical definitions.

Compare the models of the soul found in Republic and Phaedrus. What are the components of each?

Emotion, Spirit, Appetite

Reason, Emotion, Spirited (correct)

Reason, Desire, Intellect

Reason, Emotion, Appetite (correct)

What are two conceptions of justice that are found in Republic?

Speaking truth and paying what one owes 2. Harmony among the parts of a functioning whole

How is justice defined in Book IV of Republic?

Minding one's own business while doing your part in the city. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between general and particular justice according to Aristotle?

General justice is a character trait dealing with people, while particular justice includes distributive and rectificatory aspects. Signup and view all the answers

What is dialectic and how is it related to dialogue?

Dialectic is a way to the truth and involves sorting through arguments, while dialogue is an interaction where terms are defined holistically. Signup and view all the answers

What does Socrates mean when he says that a better man cannot be hurt by a worse?

A virtuous person cannot lose their virtue, no matter what. Signup and view all the answers

What is Meno's paradox, and how does the doctrine of recollection solve it?

Meno's paradox states that without knowledge, one cannot investigate, and with knowledge, one has no need to investigate. The doctrine of recollection states that prior conceptual understanding is necessary for investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pre-dialectical studies that Plato describes in Book 7 of the Republic?

They aim to take students away from dependency on the senses by studying real, determinate things. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the conceptions of love in Socrates' report of Diotima's speech in Symposium with Socrates' second speech in Phaedrus.

In Symposium, Eros is a mix of wisdom and ignorance, while in Phaedrus, falling in love is seen as a divine experience and a recollection of the divine. Signup and view all the answers

What is Socratic irony and what is it for?

Socratic irony involves Socrates feigning ignorance while actually knowing the truth to help others recognize their own ignorance. Signup and view all the answers

What is courage as a property of the city in Republic?

It is the preservation of the city's values and order. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Socratic Definitions

Socrates demands conceptual definitions from interlocutors, emphasizing necessary and sufficient conditions applicable in all contexts.

Models of the Soul

Both models in Republic and Phaedrus are tripartite.
Republic:
- Components: reason, emotion, appetite.
- Reason governs emotion and appetite; symbolizes the soul's escape from ignorance.
Phaedrus:
- Components: reason, emotion, spiritedness.
- Depicted as a charioteer with two horses, representing the soul's potential to transcend physical forms.

Conceptions of Justice in Republic

Justice is understood as:
- Speaking truth and fulfilling obligations.
- Achieving harmony among part of the social whole.

Justice in Republic vs. Nicomachean Ethics

Republic:
- Justice defined as individuals fulfilling their roles within society to maintain harmony.
- Justice is inherently good.
Nicomachean Ethics (Aristotle):
- Distinguishes between general and particular justice.
- General justice relates to a virtue expressed through adherence to laws.
- Particular justice is subdivided into:
  - Distributive justice: distribution based on proportion.
  - Rectificatory justice: seeks balance in private transactions, categorized into voluntary and involuntary actions.

Dialectic and Dialogue

Dialectic:
- Defined as the philosophical method to uncover truth, involving thesis, antithesis, and argumentation.
- Aims for recollection of pre-existing truths.
Dialogue:
- Engages two individuals in mutual questioning to holistically define terms.
- Requires comprehensive understanding of concepts to avoid incomplete definitions.

Socratic Assertion on Virtue

Socrates asserts that a virtuous person remains immune to harm or loss of virtue, regardless of external circumstances.

Meno's Paradox and Doctrine of Recollection

Meno's paradox posits that without knowledge of a subject, one cannot seek it, and with knowledge, there is no need to seek it.
The doctrine of recollection resolves this by suggesting prior conceptual understanding must exist for investigation to commence.

Pre-Dialectical Studies in Republic

Education in fundamental subjects like geometry and astronomy is vital for disengaging from sensory dependency and fostering higher understanding of realities beyond the physical.

Conceptions of Love in Symposium vs. Phaedrus

Symposium:
- Eros represents a blend of wisdom and ignorance, lacking beauty and goodness.
- Characterizes love as a spirit bridging human and divine.
Phaedrus:
- Celebrates the divine nature of romantic love as a means of recollection of higher truths.
- Love is depicted as reverent and transformative; it inspires devotion and aligns with beauty.

Socratic Irony

Socratic irony involves Socrates feigning ignorance to draw out his interlocutor's understanding, highlighting their lack of awareness and prompting deeper inquiry.

Courage in the Republic

Courage is conceptualized as a crucial aspect of the city's preservation, signifying the virtue that enables strength and resilience within the societal structure.

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in Classical Philosophy with this quiz focusing on Socratic definitions and models of the soul found in Plato's works. Explore the nuances of terms like courage and piety through Socratic dialogues, and compare philosophical views presented in 'Republic' and 'Phaedrus'.