PLSI/PHIL 333

1
PLSI/PHIL 333

• Political Philosophy/thought
• midterm review
• Spring 2012

2
Platos, The Apology of Socrates

• What is philosophy?
• What is Socrates defense against the city?
• Explain, the unexamined life is not worth
  living.
• We discussed several accusations against the
  Socratic form of philosophy 1) that it does not
  believe in the gods of the city, 2) that it
  corrupts the youth, and 3) that it is useless.
  Discuss two of these accusations and the manner
  by which Socrates refutes them.

3
Platos Republic

• In Book V of The Republic, Socrates discusses the
  three waves of paradox 1) the equality of the
  sexes, 2) the communalization of the family, and
  3) the philosopher-king. Select one of the these
  paradoxes, and 1) describe why, according to
  Socrates, it is a paradox, and 2) explain why it
  is necessary for a just society.
• By founding the city in speech, the discussants
  define justice as the rule one person, one art.
  Explain how, according to Socrates, this rule
  applies to both the governing of the city and the
  governing of ones own soul.

4
Platos Republic

• In Book I, three views of justice are discussed
  and each is found to be lacking in
  intellectual/logical consistency. Later in The
  Republic, justice in the city is defined by the
  principle of one person, one art. How, and in
  what sense, does this principle correct or
  advance the previous views of justice appearing
  in Book I?

5
MachiavellisLa Mandragola

• Law, morality, and established beliefs are at
  odds with private desire throughout La
  Mandragola. Discuss the comic resolution of this
  tension. How does this resolution reflect
  Machiavellis political philosophy?