Philosophy and Ethics Quiz

Study Notes

Philosophy is the systematic study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that focuses on moral principles governing human behavior.
Central questions in ethics include:
- What constitutes right or wrong actions?
- How should individuals live their lives morally?
- What is the nature of justice and fairness?
- Are moral values universal or culturally relative?
- What is the basis for moral obligations?

Resumé Virtues: Skills and achievements that contribute to external success (e.g., career accomplishments, social status).
Eulogy Virtues: Qualities that define a person's character (e.g., kindness, compassion, integrity).
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy illustrates the emptiness of a life focused solely on resumé virtues.
Ivan's death leads him to realize the limited value of external success and the importance of inner fulfillment.
Tolstoy argues that eulogy virtues are more important because they contribute to true happiness and meaningful relationships.

The novel explores the tendency of people to avoid confronting death and its implications.
It raises central ethical questions about what constitutes a meaningful life.
Ivan's regret over his choices reveals the consequence of prioritizing societal expectations over genuine fulfillment.
Tolstoy suggests that the inevitability of death compels individuals to prioritize ethical living and align their actions with their values.

Cephalus defines justice as "speaking the truth and repaying one's debts."
Socrates challenges this definition by arguing that it is too simplistic and fails to account for situations where following the letter of an obligation may result in unjust outcomes.

331e: Justice is "giving to each what is owed."
332a-b: Justice is "benefiting friends and harming enemies."
332d: Justice is "doing good to friends who are good and harm to enemies who are bad."
335a: Justice is "benefiting friends who are truly good and harming enemies who are truly bad."
Socrates critiques these definitions by arguing that:
- They are based on an uncertain understanding of friends and enemies.
- It is not always just to harm someone, even if they are considered an enemy.
- Justice cannot be defined solely in terms of personal relationships, but must consider the broader implications of actions.

Socrates argues against Polemarchus’ definitions by pointing out:
- It can be difficult to accurately identify who is a friend or enemy.
- It is not always just to harm someone, even if they are considered an enemy.
- Justice cannot be defined solely in terms of personal relationships, but must consider the broader implications of actions.