Socrates and Gorgias: Rhetoric & Virtue

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a moral argument?

It involves claims about what is right or wrong. (correct)
It is entirely based on subjective opinions.
It does not require supporting premises.
It includes only descriptive statements.

What distinguishes a deductive argument from an inductive argument?

An inductive argument cannot have true premises.
A deductive argument suggests that the conclusion is likely true.
A deductive argument guarantees the truth of the conclusion if the premises are true. (correct)
An inductive argument consists only of hypothetical premises.

Why is an invalid argument considered invalid?

It is based solely on ethical reasoning.
It contains at least one normative claim.
It has false premises.
It does not guarantee a true conclusion even if the premises are true. (correct)

What is the main focus of normative claims?

Prescribing how things ought to be. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of an ethical theory?

Aesthetic preferences. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does an extensional definition differ from an intensional definition?

An extensional definition specifies the set of objects the term applies to. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a moral principle?

To guide ethical behavior and decision-making. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes virtue theory?

It emphasizes the significance of character and virtues in ethical behavior. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does virtue theory primarily focus on?

The character of the moral agent (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes consequentialism?

Actions are judged based on their outcomes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a techne?

It aims at achieving a specific end (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the Euthyphro dilemma concerned with?

The definition of piety (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Socrates state that he only knows nothing?

He acknowledges his ignorance compared to others (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did sophists play in ancient Athens?

They were itinerant teachers emphasizing rhetoric (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Socrates approach his defense in court?

He seeks to present the truth for enlightenment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Socrates from sophists?

Socrates seeks truth over financial gain (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Socrates' theory of recollection suggest about learning?

Learning is an act of recollecting knowledge the soul already possesses. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is Socrates' view on whether virtue can be taught?

Virtue cannot be taught because it lacks a clear definition. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who was Gorgias and what was his profession?

A prominent sophist and rhetorician, skilled in persuasive speaking. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Socrates emphasize the importance of oratory's purpose?

To support truth and justice instead of mere persuasion. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What major problem does Socrates identify with rhetoric?

Rhetoric can be used immorally, undermining its integrity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Socrates, why are tyrants considered the least powerful?

They are enslaved by their desires and lack true virtue. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Socrates view oratory and sophistry?

As practices that focus on persuasion without true knowledge. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Polus claim about the act of doing injustice?

It is worse to suffer injustice than to inflict it. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Socrates argue entitles him to meals in the Prytaneum for life?

His philosophical contributions to the city. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Socrates feel it is necessary to remain in Athens?

To engage with and challenge his fellow citizens on moral issues. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What issue does Socrates raise about defining courage solely as 'endurance'?

Courage requires a response to fear that is informed by wisdom. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does the dialogue in 'Laches' reach regarding the definition of virtue?

It ends without a definitive conclusion. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Socrates' priority in definition theory influence his view on teaching virtue?

He emphasizes defining virtue before discussing its teachability. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes knowledge from true belief, according to Socrates?

Knowledge is a justified true belief. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is Socrates' stance on the 'unexamined life'?

It lacks meaning and moral substance. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Socrates reject participation in injustice?

He values his principles over personal gain. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for determining the good of a thing according to Aristotle?

Its purpose or function (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle believe individuals can be trained to be morally good?

Through habitual practice of virtuous actions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a character virtue for Aristotle?

A stable disposition to act according to reason (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of action involves both voluntary and involuntary elements?

Mixed action (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle differentiate between natural and conventional justice?

Natural justice is based on universal nature, while conventional justice varies across cultures (D) Signup and view all the answers

What allows for the possibility of akrasia in Aristotle's view?

The conflict between reason and desire despite knowing what is right (B) Signup and view all the answers

What defines a friend in Aristotle's philosophy?

An individual who shares mutual goodwill and concerns for each other's well-being (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of virtue friendship according to Aristotle?

It is based on mutual admiration and virtue (C) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Socrates' Theory of Recollection

Learning is recollecting past knowledge already held by the soul
Solves the problem of how we acquire knowledge

Socrates and Virtue

Skeptical - virtue's definition is unclear, so teaching it is difficult

Gorgias

Prominent sophist, rhetorician, known as a persuasive speaker and teacher of rhetoric

Socrates on Oratory

Focus on the truth and justice, not manipulation

Gorgias' Downfall

Inference that rhetoric can be used immorally for persuasion
Undermines rhetoric's integrity

Socrates' Refutation of Gorgias' Argument: Legitimacy

Misunderstanding or misrepresentation of Gorgias' position

Shoemaker's Argument about the Refutation

Refutation should be understood within the concept of "techne" (craft)
Emphasizes rhetoric's ethical dimensions

Polus' Perspective

Socrates did not refute Gorgias
Focused on rhetoric's practical power and effectiveness

Polus' Injustice Argument

Better to do injustice than suffer it
Socrates argues that doing injustice harms the soul

The Least Powerful Tyrants

Tyrants lack true virtue
Enslaved by desires

Political Techne

The art of governance and leadership
Medicine is a counterpart for the body

Socrates' View of Oratory and Sophistry

Lack true knowledge
Focus on persuasion without ethics

Callicles' Justice Distiction

Natural justice: Universal, based on nature
Conventional justice : Societal, varies across cultures

Argumentation and Definition

Argument : Set of statements where one (conclusion) is supported by others (premises)
Moral Argument: Claims about what is right or wrong, good or bad, based on ethical principles
Normative Claim: How things "ought" to be; not always moral claims
Deductive Argument: Guarantees a true conclusion if the premises are true
Inductive Argument: Conclusion is likely based on premises
Valid Argument : Structure guarantees a true conclusion if the premises are true
Invalid Arguments: No such guarantee
Extensional Definition: Specifies members of a set or group
Intensional Definition: Specifies properties or characteristics of a term

Ethical Theory Fundamentals

Moral Principle : General guide for ethical behaviour
Ethical Theory : Systematic framework, explains how moral principles apply
Factors of an ethical theory:
- Normative Principles
- Methodology for reasoning
- Applications in real life

Ethical Theories

Virtue Theory : Focuses on the character of the moral agent (e.g, honest, courageous)
Consequentialism : Rightness or wrongness of actions depends on outcomes
Non-Consequentialism : Morality is NOT determined by consequences
Kantian ethics: Emphasizes rules and duties

Euthyphro

First Definition of Piety: Extensional
Euthyphro's Failed Definition: "What the gods love"
- Circular reasoning

Euthyphro Dilemma

Questioning whether moral goodness is independent of the gods
Challenges divine command theory

The Apology

Techne: Craft, knowledge-based, aimed at a goal
Socrates and Knowledge : "The only thing I know is that I know nothing"
Sophists : Teachers emphasizing rhetoric and persuasion

Socrates' Defense

Defense for the sake of the jury, not himself
Not a sophist - seeks truth and betterment of the soul
Aristophanes' Play "Clouds": Portrays Socrates as corrupting the youth and distorting truth

Socrates' Contributions

Deserves meals in the Prytaneum (a reward)
Continued to philosophize, it was his duty

Socrates and Justice

Refused to participate in unjust actions
Continued to philosophize if released from prison

Socrates on Life

"The unexamined life is not worth living"
Self-reflection and critical questioning are essential

The Laches

Courage Definition: "Endurance" fails
True Courage: Character and moral integrity of the individual
Universal Definition of Courage: Applies to all forms of courage
Dialogue ends without a definitive conclusion

The Meno

Socrates prioritizes definition
Focus on the essence of concepts before application
Knowledge is more valuable than true belief

Aristotle and Virtue

The good of a thing is determined by its purpose or function
Habituation: Practice virtuous actions
Character Virtue: Stable disposition to act according to reason
Golden Mean: Balance between excess and deficiency
Voluntary Action: Knowledge, control of origin
Mixed Action: Voluntary and involuntary

Aristotle on Justice

Natural Justice : Universal
Conventional Justice : Societal
Decency (Reasonableness) : Acting according to reason
Corrective Justice: Restoring balance, achieving fairness, not merit
Akrasia : Knowing what is right but being swayed by passions
Friendship Definition: Mutual goodwill and concern for the other's well-being
Types of Incomplete Friendship : Utility and Pleasure

Virtue Friendship

基于相互欣赏和美德,不易受到环境或兴趣变化的影响。
Stable, based on mutual admiration of virtue.

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