Fall 2008 Philosophy 201 Study Question Collaboration

Study Questions, Fall 2008 Human Nature

Paste in study questions by date. Use 2 "=" signs for date and three for the question/answer. Add you name.

The sample below can be copied if you click on the edit tab above:

Question 1

What are some of the distinguishing traits of philosophical thought?

There are many distinguishing traits of philosophical thought. One is asking questions regarding topics where there is not a proven and reliable system of measurement. Also, asking how one may have arrived at the answers they get for other questions. Another trait is stripping down what it is we know to the most basic truth you can reach. (Austin B.)

Philosophical thought emerges most naturally when questioning our ordinary beliefs regarding the world. We can also accomplish philosophical thought through the use of our "big picture view", which is the story that attempts to make sense of the world in which we live. According to the text, three key elements of this are 1) The need to know more about arguments; how to construct and evaluate them. 2) Philosophical thought emerges from persistent questioning and is easiest when in a critical state of mind. 3) Philosophical thought leads to a plurality of answers. (Lucy Y.)

Question 2

How do philosophy, myth, and religion relate to each other? Identify both differences and areas of overlap.

Philosophy, myth and religion all relate very closely. There are three different styles of though our communication that leads to these three areas. First, stories lead to myth. Just at the Greeks passed the history of their people down by story until written down. Secondly, revelation leads to religion. There is almost always a divine act or relationship that plays a role in every religion. Finally, reason is what philosophy is grounded upon. Seeking the answers to questions many have not been able to answer using all we know to be true and foundational. Myth, Religion, and Philosophy are all disciplines of thought that are not tangible, but at least one of these areas plays a large role in most people’s lives. (Austin B.)

Differences: Mythology is cultural. Also, religious stories contain reasons why we should believe in that religion. Such reasons include divine revelation, which is differs from mythology. Overlap: Philosophy, myth, and religion tell stories. They are used to make sense of the world. All three provide a "big picture view", which is a story that attempts to make sense of the world in which we live. Philosophy and religion give reasons why the "big picture view" is true. (Lucy Y.)

Question 3

Do we need to know the truth of all of the things we believe in?

I do believe we must know the truth of everything we believe in. I do not feel that you can legitimately believe in something of which you do not know the truth, and if this is the case you certainly should be searching the truth out within your belief. (Austin B.)

Question 4

What is the difference between philosophy and science? Identify an example of an overlap between the two.

Philosophy is essentially speculative science using all we know as our best measure. Science is accurate, measurable, and repeatable, but philosophy is not always that. Often, before enough is known about a certain topic (i.e. psychology) it is labeled as philosophy. (Austin B.)

Question 5

Summarize Kant's position in "What is Enlightenment?" and give your reaction. Should we value reason in our everyday life in the way Kant suggests? Why or why not?

Question 1

What two kinds of knowledge does philosophy aim at, according to Russell?

First, philosophy aims at the kind of knowledge which gives unity and system to the body of the sciences. Secondly, philosophy explores questions in which the answers are not always demonstrably true. (Austin B.)

Question 2

What is the value of philosophy, according to Russell? Do you think his claim is plausible? What reasons do you have for believing it or not?

According to Russell, the value of philosophy lies in the uncertainty of it. The quest for the answers to questions one cannot be certain of. I do believe this is a plausible claim. I believe the value of philosophy lies in the exercise of the brain and stretching one’s own limits. (Austin B.)

Question 3

Identify some of the "philosophical moments" you and your classmates reported. Do you think it is typical for humans to have philosophical reflections? What is the advantage, if any, of pursuing these reflections?

September 17

Question 1

Be prepared to explain the views of Pausanias, Eryximachus, and Aristophanes in the Symposium. Compare and contrast with previous and remaining speeches.

Pausanias: There are two loves - a heavenly love and a common love. Engaging in "common love" is bad because it is indiscriminating and focused more on sensual pleasures of the body rather than of the mind. People who are in "common love" are interested in men and women who will give them what they want easiest. "Heavenly love" is only between two males and is the only honorable love. This love has nothing to do with sexual gratification, but moreso with developing the mind. Furthermore, the main purpose of love is to produce virtue. Any love pursued not for virtue is completely wrong.

Eryximachus: Love is present in more than just relationships between human beings - it is evident nature, music, etc. The goal of love is provide order, harmony, and agreement. If this is achieved, then love can improve any individual involved because it encourages positive actions. Essentially, love is part of a larger whole in the world that every part of our life is connected to.

Aristophanes: The story of the three genders that are seeking to complete themselves through love and sexual reproduction. Love is the desire to become whole once again and return to our original nature. Love pulls us towards individuals who are like us and would eventually complete us.

These speeches are much more dialectic in nature because they provide a series of explanations for what love is and it's greater purpose. There is a clear logical thought process, while the speeches following are much more critical of the others. (Hannah W.)

---

September 22

Question 1

How do the first few speeches form a "dialectic" progression of possible approaches to the nature of love?

As the speeches progress, they become more defined to the ideas of love. Phaedrus’ speech begins by explaining the love has only one nature. Next Pausanias enters with an idea of a larger and possibly more complete view by stating that love actually has two natures: common and heavenly. As each speech continues, they complete each other a little more. Eryximachus explains that love is actually part of a greater whole. Love is found not only in humans, as the other two described, but also in nature, music, etc. Aristophanes adds to the ideas of Eryximachus by stating that love is not only part of a greater whole, but it is a matter of making each of us whole again like we once were. So as the speeches continue through to Socrates, the reader gets a sense that each speech adds to the former ultimately completing Plato’s sense of Love. (Crystal H.)

Question 2

Characterize Agathon's speech and Socrates criticism of it.

Agathon attempts to describe the nature of Love. The God of Love is the happiest God because he is the most beautiful. He also avoids old age and only surrounds himself with the youthful. Love, beyond all other things, is virtuous because it is responsible for maintaining virtue in every human being. Love permeates our character and is responsible for all things good such as beauty, excellence, wisdom, etc.

Socrates challenges Agathon by asking if love is love of something specific. Agathon agrees, and Socrates then concludes that love desires what it loves, so therefore it cannot be in possession of it if it is desiring it. From there, Socrates says that love must be a love of beauty, which means if this is true that love is without beauty. He also points out that if good things are beautiful, then love cannot be good because it is not beautiful. (Hannah W.)

Question 3

What is Socratic elenchus?

The elenchus is a type of philosophical cross-examination in which the "questioner explores the implications of others' positions, to stimulate rational thinking and illuminate ideas". It is a discussion where one position is defended and where one participant often leads the other to contradict themselves, which in turn, strengthens the others argument. (Hannah W.)

Question 4

What are the key premises in Plato's view of the "scala amoris"?

Question 5

Be prepared to critically evaluate Plato's view of love as represented in the speech of Diotima.