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September 30
Book I
1. Describe Cephalus and his view of justice. Is Plato's depiction of
him sympathetic or critical?
2. Polemarchus is a likeable fellow, but Socrates still tries to
refute his beliefs concerning justice. How do Socrates' refutations suggest that
Polemarchus is more amiable than his beliefs?
3. What is Thrasymachus' view of justice? How does it differ from
Socrates'? How does it reflect his character? Who, do you think, has the stronger argument
at this point?
4. What is the connection between justice and good?
between justice and function?
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October 3 Books II, III 1.
What is the rationale to the order of the speakers who face
Socrates?
2. Glaucon asks Socrates to prove that being
just brings greater benefit to the just person than being unjust would. Is this
easy to demonstrate?
3. What is the point of the story of Gyges' ring?
4. What are the criteria for the formation of the just
city?
5. Where does one find truth in the just city? |
October 7
Book IV
1. Map out the connection between the
just city, the just soul, and the cardinal virtues.
2. What, finally, then is justice and
how does Socrates' definition differ from the versions already
discussed?
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October 10
Books V, VI
1. What is the connection between light
and the good?
2. How does Plato define each of the
following: reality, illusion, opinion?
3. What is above the list of forms?
4. What is the connection between the
divided line and each of the following: television, books,
faith, the internet, pledging a sorority/fraternity,
conversation, death, religion?
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October 14
Books VII
1. In what sense are you in the cave
right now?
2. How are you to get out?
3. According to Plato, how does critical
thinking come about?
4. What is the connection between the
cave allegory and each of the following ideas: television,
books, faith, internet, pledging sorority/fraternity,
conversation, death, religion?
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October 17
Books VIII-X
- Why is aristocracy the best form of
government?
- Each of the other forms of government
suffers from a defect of misplaced love. Identify each one.
- What is reality? the good?
- What is the difference between the
good life and the bad?
- Which of the three proofs in book IX
is the best?
- What is wrong with imitation?
- Why is the Myth of Er significant to this work?
- Identify a best quote from this work.
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