Philosophy Exam 1 PDF

### **1. What is the philosophical view?** The Euthyphro Dilemma explores the relationship between morality and divine preferences, questioning whether something is good because the gods prefer it or if the gods prefer it because it is inherently good. It raises issues about the nature of morality...

### **1. What is the philosophical view?** The Euthyphro Dilemma explores the relationship between morality and divine preferences, questioning whether something is good because the gods prefer it or if the gods prefer it because it is inherently good. It raises issues about the nature of morality and the role of divine authority in determining what is morally right or wrong. ### **2. Who held the view?** The dilemma is traditionally attributed to **Plato**, who introduces it in the dialogue *Euthyphro*. However, it has been discussed by many philosophers throughout history, including **Leibniz**, who critiques divine command theory for its potential arbitrariness. ### **3. What are the views called?** The two main views related to this dilemma are: - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** - - The dilemma ultimately presents a challenge for theists: either accept that morality exists independently of divine beings (thus limiting divine authority) or accept that divine preferences are arbitrary (thus weakening the foundation of moral praise or blame). ### **1. What is the philosophical view?** The **Allegory of the Cave** is a metaphor about the nature of knowledge, reality, and human perception. Plato argues that most people live in a state of ignorance, only perceiving shadows of the true forms of reality. The allegory illustrates the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and the philosopher\'s responsibility to help others achieve true knowledge. ### **2. Who held the view?** This view is held by **Plato** and is presented in his work *The Republic*. It is a core part of his philosophy concerning the Theory of Forms and the nature of reality. ### **3. What are the views called?** - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** Plato uses the Allegory of the Cave to explain that: - - - Plato uses this allegory to argue that **true knowledge** comes from understanding the **Forms** and not just relying on sensory experience, which can be deceptive. Reality, in Plato's view, consists of immutable and eternal truths that can only be grasped through philosophical reasoning. ### **1. What is the philosophical view?** In **Protagoras**, Plato presents a dialogue between Socrates and the sophist Protagoras, discussing the nature of virtue and whether it can be taught. The central philosophical debate revolves around whether virtue is a single entity or made up of several parts (such as wisdom, courage, justice, etc.), and whether it is teachable. Protagoras argues that virtue can be taught, while Socrates questions this claim, probing into the nature of virtue itself. ### **2. Who held the view?** The view that virtue can be taught is held by **Protagoras**, a famous sophist. His views are contrasted with **Socrates**, Plato\'s mentor, who is more skeptical and pushes Protagoras to clarify his arguments. ### **3. What are the views called?** - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** - - The dialogue does not offer a definitive answer, leaving the question of whether virtue can be taught open, but it highlights the complexity of defining virtue and its components. ### **1. What is the philosophical view?** In **\"City of God,\"** Augustine presents a vision of two cities: the **City of God** and the **Earthly City**. The City of God is the realm of those who live according to God\'s will, while the Earthly City is inhabited by those who live for worldly pleasures and self-interest. Augustine argues that history is a struggle between these two cities, with the City of God ultimately prevailing in the afterlife. He addresses the relationship between faith and reason, human history, and divine providence. ### **2. Who held the view?** This view is held by **Saint Augustine** of Hippo, one of the most influential Christian theologians and philosophers. He wrote **\"City of God\"** in response to the fall of Rome and the belief that Christianity was responsible for Rome's decline. ### **3. What are the views called?** - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** - - - Augustine\'s work emphasizes the **impermanence of earthly powers** and the **eternal nature of God's kingdom**, reflecting his belief that true happiness and justice can only be found through faith in God, not in worldly success or political structures. ### **1. What is the philosophical view?** In **\"Nicomachean Ethics,\"** Aristotle presents a detailed analysis of virtue and the good life, arguing that the ultimate goal of human life is **eudaimonia** (often translated as \"happiness\" or \"flourishing\"). According to Aristotle, this happiness is achieved by living a life in accordance with **virtue**, which he defines as a mean between extremes (the \"Golden Mean\"). Virtue is not just a matter of intellectual knowledge but also of developing good habits through practice and experience. ### **2. Who held the view?** This view is held by **Aristotle**, one of the most prominent ancient Greek philosophers. **\"Nicomachean Ethics\"** is one of his most influential works on moral philosophy. ### **3. What are the views called?** - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** - - - - Aristotle\'s ethics are focused on personal development and the cultivation of good character, proposing that living in accordance with virtues leads to the best and most fulfilling life. His approach is distinct from other ethical theories like utilitarianism or deontology, which focus more on actions or consequences than character. ### **1. What is the philosophical view?** In the **\"Enneads,\"** Plotinus presents a system of thought known as **Neoplatonism**. His central philosophical view is that reality is structured in a hierarchical way, emanating from a single, ineffable source called **The One**. From The One emanates **The Intellect** (Nous), which contains all forms or ideas, and from The Intellect emanates the **Soul**, which governs the material world. Human beings are part of this emanation, and their ultimate goal is to reunite with The One through intellectual and spiritual ascent. ### **2. Who held the view?** This view is held by **Plotinus**, a philosopher of late antiquity and the founder of **Neoplatonism**. His ideas were compiled by his student Porphyry in the six books of the **Enneads**. ### **3. What are the views called?** - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** - - - - The **Enneads** emphasizes a metaphysical structure where the material world is seen as less real and less perfect than the higher, spiritual realms. Plotinus\' views strongly influenced later Christian, Islamic, and Jewish mysticism and philosophy, particularly the idea of a transcendent, unknowable God. ### **1. What is the philosophical view?** In **\"Summa Theologica,\"** Aquinas presents a comprehensive synthesis of Christian theology and Aristotelian philosophy. The work addresses the nature of God, morality, human purpose, and the relationship between faith and reason. Aquinas argues that faith and reason are compatible and that human beings can come to know God through both revelation and natural reason. He outlines five ways to demonstrate the existence of God, explores the nature of virtues, and discusses the moral law. ### **2. Who held the view?** This view is held by **Thomas Aquinas**, a 13th-century theologian and philosopher who is considered one of the greatest thinkers in the Western philosophical tradition. His work has had a profound impact on Christian theology and philosophy. ### **3. What are the views called?** - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** - - 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. - - The **\"Summa Theologica\"** serves as a foundational text in both Christian theology and Western philosophy, establishing a framework that integrates Aristotelian thought with Christian doctrine and emphasizing the importance of reason in the pursuit of faith. ### **1. What is the philosophical view?** In the **\"Guide for the Perplexed,\"** Maimonides addresses the relationship between religion and philosophy, specifically focusing on reconciling Jewish theology with Aristotelian philosophy. He seeks to guide those who are confused about how to understand God, the nature of existence, and the interpretation of religious texts in light of philosophical inquiry. Maimonides argues that many biblical texts should be understood metaphorically rather than literally to align with rational thought and philosophy. ### **2. Who held the view?** This view is held by **Moses Maimonides** (Rambam), a medieval Jewish philosopher, rabbi, and physician. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Jewish thought and philosophy. ### **3. What are the views called?** - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** - - - - - The **\"Guide for the Perplexed\"** serves as a foundational text in Jewish philosophy, bridging the gap between faith and reason, and influencing later Jewish thought as well as broader philosophical discourse in the medieval period and beyond. ### **1. What is the philosophical view?** The **Buddhist view on the self** centers around the concept of **anatta** (or **anatman**), which means \"non-self\" or \"no-self.\" This doctrine asserts that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul that exists independently of the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness). Instead, what we consider the self is a collection of these aggregates, which are in a constant state of flux. Understanding anatta is crucial for achieving enlightenment and liberation from suffering. ### **2. Who held the view?** This view is held by **Buddha**, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The teachings on the self and non-self are integral to Buddhist philosophy and are discussed in various texts and discourses attributed to the Buddha. ### **3. What are the views called?** - - ### **4. What are the reasons for the views?** - - - - - The teachings on the self in Buddhism serve as a means to cultivate wisdom, reduce suffering, and achieve a deeper understanding of reality, ultimately guiding practitioners towards enlightenment.