1. Short Paragraph – Personal Reflection: Before reading the selection from Plato write at least one full paragraph on this question: Why do you think Plato (or anyone else) would want to censor Hesiod? Remember that Hesiod was the poet who wrote about the fight between the gods and the titans.
I think that PLato wantes to censor Hesiod because Hesiod's philosophy is against his. And of course if someones idea was against yours wouldnt you want to censor it? He doesn't want any competition for his philosophy. He wants everyone to believe him and to do that their must no be any other option to believe in.
a. What are Homer and Hesiod guilty of?
Hesiod is guilty of misrepresenting the nature of the gods and ancient heroes.
b. What are the two main characteristics of “god” and what are the laws/principles of story telling based on those characteristics?
God is the cause of all things good, and does not cause anything bad. Gods must be represented as they are in reality, which is good and just
4. Compare what you wrote in your personal reflection above (#1) with what Plato wrote. How close were you to what Plato wrote?
Monday, March 26, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
DUE WED 3/21 Republic Assignment
In your opinion, how can acting “right” (i.e. justly) help or harm the achievement of happiness? In your answer you need to first establish, in true Socratic fashion, what you mean by "right" (justice) and what you mean by happiness. What do you think Socrates would say about what you wrote and/or what do you think Thrasymachus would say?
‘Happiness depends on conformity to our nature as active beings. What active principles that nature comprises, and how they are organized into a system we learn in the immediately following books’.
I think that acting justly will hurt the community and people very much because it causes all the people to think alike. Meaning there is no room for change because everyone acts the way they are suppose to act.
Although in my opinion now, I think that happiness to each person, because what could make on person happy could not make another person happy. I think to live happy, you should do what you like. Also I think living ‘happy’ is living by your own standards and no one else’s. Personally that’s what I do. I used to live my life trying to please the people that surrounded me. I was always upset and extremely sensitive because I was so self conscious and felt as though I needed to be accepted by my peers. Not until recently did I start to live my life, because I realized there is a difference between being considerate of other people and putting them before myself. Meaning I would do anything to make the other person happy at my own expense.
‘Happiness depends on conformity to our nature as active beings. What active principles that nature comprises, and how they are organized into a system we learn in the immediately following books’.
I think that acting justly will hurt the community and people very much because it causes all the people to think alike. Meaning there is no room for change because everyone acts the way they are suppose to act.
Although in my opinion now, I think that happiness to each person, because what could make on person happy could not make another person happy. I think to live happy, you should do what you like. Also I think living ‘happy’ is living by your own standards and no one else’s. Personally that’s what I do. I used to live my life trying to please the people that surrounded me. I was always upset and extremely sensitive because I was so self conscious and felt as though I needed to be accepted by my peers. Not until recently did I start to live my life, because I realized there is a difference between being considerate of other people and putting them before myself. Meaning I would do anything to make the other person happy at my own expense.
Due Tuesday, 3/20 Republic Assignment
1. Notice that our reading on Thrasymachus is divided into two parts. The first part is entitled – “First Statement and Criticisms”. In this first part, what are Socrates’ main argument(s) against the idea that justice is whatever the strong (i.e. the government) says it is?
Socrates states that it would be a foolish way for things to be. Most politicians and leaders are always making decisions for their best interest, meaning what is in their best interest is the law, and anything else is against the law. But, if a leader gives an order by accident that hurts them, then it is against the law, but the leader gave the order so the people must obey it. It is cryptic talk of how backwards things would be in that case.
2. In the second part – “Second Statement and Final Refutation” – what are Thrasymahcus’ two main points and what are Socrates’ two main points in response?
Thrasymachus' two main points are that 'justice is the interest of the stronger party' and that 'injustice is the interest and profit of oneself'.
Socrates respondes with the points that 'no one really wants authority and with it the job of righting other people's wrongs, unless paid for it' and also that 'all wise men would prefer the benefit of this service at the hands of others rather than the labor of affording it to others themselves'.
3. In your opinion, is it ever right to harm somebody? Why or why not?
I dont think there is EVER an appropiate time to hurt someone. Unless you must, like if you are being attacked. But i dont think that it is right to hurt someone because of what they said to you or your friend. I think most things can be solved with talking it out. I wish this is how things would be solved, unfortunatly i dont think that anyone could never harm anyone. Because if you think about it you can harm someone without ever laying a finger on them.
Socrates states that it would be a foolish way for things to be. Most politicians and leaders are always making decisions for their best interest, meaning what is in their best interest is the law, and anything else is against the law. But, if a leader gives an order by accident that hurts them, then it is against the law, but the leader gave the order so the people must obey it. It is cryptic talk of how backwards things would be in that case.
2. In the second part – “Second Statement and Final Refutation” – what are Thrasymahcus’ two main points and what are Socrates’ two main points in response?
Thrasymachus' two main points are that 'justice is the interest of the stronger party' and that 'injustice is the interest and profit of oneself'.
Socrates respondes with the points that 'no one really wants authority and with it the job of righting other people's wrongs, unless paid for it' and also that 'all wise men would prefer the benefit of this service at the hands of others rather than the labor of affording it to others themselves'.
3. In your opinion, is it ever right to harm somebody? Why or why not?
I dont think there is EVER an appropiate time to hurt someone. Unless you must, like if you are being attacked. But i dont think that it is right to hurt someone because of what they said to you or your friend. I think most things can be solved with talking it out. I wish this is how things would be solved, unfortunatly i dont think that anyone could never harm anyone. Because if you think about it you can harm someone without ever laying a finger on them.
Monday, March 19, 2007
DUE FRI 3/16 Personal Reflection and Plato Assignment
1. Blog entry: “Personal Reflection 3/16” – Since Socratic philosophy is largely about definitions, lets start with some of our own. In one paragraph (or more) define what a friend is and how you should act towards a friend. Instead of that, you can write a paragraph (or more) that defines what an enemy is and how you should act towards an enemy. Of course you can also write about both if you like. These are topics that you will read about in the assignment below.
A friend is someone you can rely on. Someone you can tell your feelings to, and be yourself without worrying what they think about you.A friend is someone who will tell you the truth even if it will hurt your feelings. A friend is someone who will let you cry on thier shoulder as you would they yours.A friend is someone who can leave your life for a while but once htey are bac in it , it seems like they were there the whole time.I love all my friends. and i have a many of them, but only a handfull i know that will stick with me through everything. There the friends that i get in fights with but know my life would never be the same without them in my life.
A friend is someone you can rely on. Someone you can tell your feelings to, and be yourself without worrying what they think about you.A friend is someone who will tell you the truth even if it will hurt your feelings. A friend is someone who will let you cry on thier shoulder as you would they yours.A friend is someone who can leave your life for a while but once htey are bac in it , it seems like they were there the whole time.I love all my friends. and i have a many of them, but only a handfull i know that will stick with me through everything. There the friends that i get in fights with but know my life would never be the same without them in my life.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
DUE FRI, 3/16 Republic Assignment
Read: Part I Introduction, Prelude pp. 2-8 (all of the Prelude)
Post answers on your blog and also print them out and keep them in your binder so you can reference them in class. Don’t forget to put the questions in bold print and write the answer in regular print.
Answer all of the questions, this time you have to do both sections.
I. Answer the following questions – short answer (about a couple of sentences or more)
Who are Cephalus and Polemarchus?
They are Socertes friends. Cephalus is Polemarchus's dad or to be proper father.
What is the profession of Cephalus?
bussiness man
What was Cephalus doing right before the discussion that took place?
Cephalus was taking part in the daily sacrafice.
According to Cephalus, what are the virtues of old age?
Because an old man has expierianced more, he is mich wiser then a young man who has just begun his journey on the road of life.Only the thing about being old is that you know death is near, so many men are afraid that what they have heard in their many years about the afterlife (the horrors and the judgments) are true and or false.
What are Cephalus’ view of justice?
Cephalus believes that justice is paying back your debts and not lying.
What is Socrates response?
socertes proposes a situation where you have borrowed a weapon from a friend, but then that friend is deemed mad, at which point you shouldn't return the weapon (paying back the debt). So basically, there are situations where you have to lie or not pay back debts, all Socrates is doing is exposing a flaw in Cephalus' idea.
AND
II. Write a one paragraph response to the following question:
Do you agree with Cephaus or with Socrates? Why? If you don't agree with either of them, write about which one you think makes the stronger arguement - even if you think it is not "right" - and why?
AND
III. Try to give this a shot, if you can’t answer it that’s okay: What do you think Cephaus represents? What is particular or unique about his view of justice compared to the others you have discussed in class?
Post answers on your blog and also print them out and keep them in your binder so you can reference them in class. Don’t forget to put the questions in bold print and write the answer in regular print.
Answer all of the questions, this time you have to do both sections.
I. Answer the following questions – short answer (about a couple of sentences or more)
Who are Cephalus and Polemarchus?
They are Socertes friends. Cephalus is Polemarchus's dad or to be proper father.
What is the profession of Cephalus?
bussiness man
What was Cephalus doing right before the discussion that took place?
Cephalus was taking part in the daily sacrafice.
According to Cephalus, what are the virtues of old age?
Because an old man has expierianced more, he is mich wiser then a young man who has just begun his journey on the road of life.Only the thing about being old is that you know death is near, so many men are afraid that what they have heard in their many years about the afterlife (the horrors and the judgments) are true and or false.
What are Cephalus’ view of justice?
Cephalus believes that justice is paying back your debts and not lying.
What is Socrates response?
socertes proposes a situation where you have borrowed a weapon from a friend, but then that friend is deemed mad, at which point you shouldn't return the weapon (paying back the debt). So basically, there are situations where you have to lie or not pay back debts, all Socrates is doing is exposing a flaw in Cephalus' idea.
AND
II. Write a one paragraph response to the following question:
Do you agree with Cephaus or with Socrates? Why? If you don't agree with either of them, write about which one you think makes the stronger arguement - even if you think it is not "right" - and why?
AND
III. Try to give this a shot, if you can’t answer it that’s okay: What do you think Cephaus represents? What is particular or unique about his view of justice compared to the others you have discussed in class?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
DUE WED 3/14 - Personal Reflection (Plato)
I wasn't in class for this discussion, well I'm actually not sure if this was an in class discussion, but the question interested me so i decided to write about my feelings...because this is a blog.
Recall a time that you heard a statement of “fact” that was later found to be untrue. It can be from a parent, a teacher, a friend, a government official, a book, or a film. How did you find out it was untrue and how did it make you feel? Did it change your outlook on anything?
One time i went to my grandpa and grandmas house, and as i pulled into the drive way i noticed my grandmas car was dented on one side. So i was got worried, i thought my grandma had been in a crash. So i ran inside to ask my grandma what happened, but i saw my grandpa before her. I asked him what had happened and he said she backed into a wall or pole or something like that. After he told me i asked if she was okay, and he said yes. So, after my grandpa had told me what happened i was just like okay im glad my grandma isnt hurt. A couple days later i was talking to my grandma and i told her i was all concerned about her getting hurt from the crash. Then i asked her where she ran into the wall, and she said, no i didnt run into a wall your grandpa was back out of the drive way and forgot to take the car out of reverse.
When i found out what really happened, i wasnt mad just annoyed. Because why would my grandpa not tell me that HE did it and it wasnt just an accident. Well obviously he didn't crash into her car intentionally but it was just frustrating because he felt embarrassed to tell me that he didn't. That is something that bugs me, when people lie about little mistakes. Theres nothing wrong with making mistakes because everyone does it.
Recall a time that you heard a statement of “fact” that was later found to be untrue. It can be from a parent, a teacher, a friend, a government official, a book, or a film. How did you find out it was untrue and how did it make you feel? Did it change your outlook on anything?
One time i went to my grandpa and grandmas house, and as i pulled into the drive way i noticed my grandmas car was dented on one side. So i was got worried, i thought my grandma had been in a crash. So i ran inside to ask my grandma what happened, but i saw my grandpa before her. I asked him what had happened and he said she backed into a wall or pole or something like that. After he told me i asked if she was okay, and he said yes. So, after my grandpa had told me what happened i was just like okay im glad my grandma isnt hurt. A couple days later i was talking to my grandma and i told her i was all concerned about her getting hurt from the crash. Then i asked her where she ran into the wall, and she said, no i didnt run into a wall your grandpa was back out of the drive way and forgot to take the car out of reverse.
When i found out what really happened, i wasnt mad just annoyed. Because why would my grandpa not tell me that HE did it and it wasnt just an accident. Well obviously he didn't crash into her car intentionally but it was just frustrating because he felt embarrassed to tell me that he didn't. That is something that bugs me, when people lie about little mistakes. Theres nothing wrong with making mistakes because everyone does it.
DUE THUR, 3/15 Similie of the Cave Reading Questions
Answer ALL of these questions with short answers (3 - 5 sentences).
1. Socrates asks Glaucon to suppose that one of the prisoners is freed and leaves the cave (p. 242 section 515d). What happens to the prisoner when he gets outside? Why does this happen to the prisoner?
The prisoner can’t look up because he is so used to being in the cave with no light. Socrates and Glaucon said it would be the easiest for the prisoner to see shadows because that is what he was used to seeing. Then he will move up to being able to see the reflections of himself and other people in the water. After he would be able to see the actual objects. The prisoner would move up slowly to see the actual objects and be able to live like the normal people. Then he would be able to look at the sun itself without blinking.
AND
2. Socrates states that the prisoners would try to kill anyone who tries to liberate them and lead them out of the cave (pp. 243 – 244 section 517a). Why would the prisoners kill someone who is trying to lead them outside?
The prisoners are happy with the way they are. They don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want to realize that what they thought was the truth is a lie. So the prisoners didn’t want to be led out of the cave in fear that they didn’t know anything else other then pointing at the shadows and knowing what they were.
AND
3. While reading pages 243-244 (section 517) keep in mind that the cave represents the way society actually is, while the sun (visible outside the cave) represents knowledge that could make for a better society. Don't let the wording confuse you, Socrates sometimes calls the outside "the intelligible region" and associates it with "the divine."
What is special about "the intelligible region" and why is it important for public servants/political leaders (p. 244 section 517 b and e)?
It is very important for the higher power because that is how they control the prisoners or the people below them. Because without it it would give the prisoners and people below the higher power room to think for themselves.
AND
3. What is wrong with having uneducated people run society? What is wrong with having intellectuals (i.e. well-educated people) run society (p. 323 section 519c)?
Socrates says that things will never be properly governed if the uneducated dictact. The reason being that they would have no clue what to do or say. Because they are uneducated they need directing in everything they do.
And Socrates says the problem with having intellectuals govern would be that they know many things. So they would think they were godly and just want everyone to serve beneath them. And the people would be too controlled.
AND
4. On pp. 323 – 324 (section 519 section d – section 520) Socrates tells Glaucon what the "job" of a lawmaker is. What is the job of a lawmaker and how is a lawmaker supposed to influence the best minds?
What the law makers do is they listen to Socrates and Glaucon tell them about what is good and what is bad. They then take that and they spread to the people what they heard what is good and what is bad. This is how they control they people even more.
1. Socrates asks Glaucon to suppose that one of the prisoners is freed and leaves the cave (p. 242 section 515d). What happens to the prisoner when he gets outside? Why does this happen to the prisoner?
The prisoner can’t look up because he is so used to being in the cave with no light. Socrates and Glaucon said it would be the easiest for the prisoner to see shadows because that is what he was used to seeing. Then he will move up to being able to see the reflections of himself and other people in the water. After he would be able to see the actual objects. The prisoner would move up slowly to see the actual objects and be able to live like the normal people. Then he would be able to look at the sun itself without blinking.
AND
2. Socrates states that the prisoners would try to kill anyone who tries to liberate them and lead them out of the cave (pp. 243 – 244 section 517a). Why would the prisoners kill someone who is trying to lead them outside?
The prisoners are happy with the way they are. They don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want to realize that what they thought was the truth is a lie. So the prisoners didn’t want to be led out of the cave in fear that they didn’t know anything else other then pointing at the shadows and knowing what they were.
AND
3. While reading pages 243-244 (section 517) keep in mind that the cave represents the way society actually is, while the sun (visible outside the cave) represents knowledge that could make for a better society. Don't let the wording confuse you, Socrates sometimes calls the outside "the intelligible region" and associates it with "the divine."
What is special about "the intelligible region" and why is it important for public servants/political leaders (p. 244 section 517 b and e)?
It is very important for the higher power because that is how they control the prisoners or the people below them. Because without it it would give the prisoners and people below the higher power room to think for themselves.
AND
3. What is wrong with having uneducated people run society? What is wrong with having intellectuals (i.e. well-educated people) run society (p. 323 section 519c)?
Socrates says that things will never be properly governed if the uneducated dictact. The reason being that they would have no clue what to do or say. Because they are uneducated they need directing in everything they do.
And Socrates says the problem with having intellectuals govern would be that they know many things. So they would think they were godly and just want everyone to serve beneath them. And the people would be too controlled.
AND
4. On pp. 323 – 324 (section 519 section d – section 520) Socrates tells Glaucon what the "job" of a lawmaker is. What is the job of a lawmaker and how is a lawmaker supposed to influence the best minds?
What the law makers do is they listen to Socrates and Glaucon tell them about what is good and what is bad. They then take that and they spread to the people what they heard what is good and what is bad. This is how they control they people even more.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
PRIDE!
PRIDE!!!!!!!!!
: the quality or state of being proud: as a: inordinate self-esteem : conceit b: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship
: the quality or state of being proud: as a: inordinate self-esteem : conceit b: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship
3/2 Iliad Assignment
Patrocolus is killed by Hector. And Before Patroclus dies he says that Hector will be killed by Achilles.
thats basically all that happened.
thats basically all that happened.
3/1 Iliad Reading
What does Patroclus propose to Achilles and what is Achilles’ response? Why does Achilles grant Patroclus’ request?
Protroclus tells achilles he wants to fight. because it will help the achean to incerease theier moral value if they see achilles body armor. even if it isnt achilles in the armor.Achilles gives patrocolus his armor and he guards the ships.
On p. 413 line 35 (approximately), Patroclus tells Achilles that Achilles is “cursed in [his] own courage.” What does Patroclus mean by that and do you agree with him?
mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
synonyms COURAGE, METTLE, SPIRIT, RESOLUTION, TENACITY mean mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship.
I think he means that Achilles has too much courage and he is cursed wiht it because he belives too much in himself. this goes back to pride.
Protroclus tells achilles he wants to fight. because it will help the achean to incerease theier moral value if they see achilles body armor. even if it isnt achilles in the armor.Achilles gives patrocolus his armor and he guards the ships.
On p. 413 line 35 (approximately), Patroclus tells Achilles that Achilles is “cursed in [his] own courage.” What does Patroclus mean by that and do you agree with him?
mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
synonyms COURAGE, METTLE, SPIRIT, RESOLUTION, TENACITY mean mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship.
I think he means that Achilles has too much courage and he is cursed wiht it because he belives too much in himself. this goes back to pride.
2/28 Iliad Assignment
Write a question you have about the text, either an interpretive question that you have an opinion on, or something that you don't understand. You don't need to write the answer.
My question is: Why did Achilles travel all the way to Troy to fight and not?
What was your opinion of Achilles before reading Book 9? Does it change after reading Book 9? Explain why or why not.
My opinion of Achilles hasnt really changed since book 1. I still jsut dont understand why Achilles would come to Troy and not fight. I am happy that he wasnt stupid and didnt take the prizes that Agamemnon was offering him. But i wish he would fight. Not with Agamemnon but with his soliders.
My question is: Why did Achilles travel all the way to Troy to fight and not?
What was your opinion of Achilles before reading Book 9? Does it change after reading Book 9? Explain why or why not.
My opinion of Achilles hasnt really changed since book 1. I still jsut dont understand why Achilles would come to Troy and not fight. I am happy that he wasnt stupid and didnt take the prizes that Agamemnon was offering him. But i wish he would fight. Not with Agamemnon but with his soliders.
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