Euthyphro
1.Why is Euthyphro at the court house (Porch of the King Archon)? Why is Socrates at the court house?
2.What is Socrates asking for when he asks for the one 'form' (or appearance) of all pious deeds?
3. What is a Platonic Form? How do we come to know them? How do they explain the world we experience?
4. What criticisms of Platonic Forms are given by Aristotle and Wittgenstein?
5.What is Euthyphro's first definition of piety?What is found deficient in the first definition?
6. What is Euthyphro's second definition of piety? What is found deficient in the second definition of piety?
7.What statement does Euthyphro agree to which sets up the refutation of the second definition?
8. What is Euthyphro's third definition of piety? How is it different from the second definition? What is found deficient in the third definition?
9. What important distinction does Socrates ask Euthyphro for in examining the third definition?
10. How is the distinction above related to the distinction between subjective and objective properties?
11. If, instead, Euthyphro had said 'something is pious because it's loved by the gods', how would he face a version of the objection to Divine Command theories of ethics?
12. What is Socrates' philosophical method and how do we see it exhibited in the dialogue?
13. What, if anything, can Euthyphro have gained through his discussion with Socrates? Can this be generalized to explain what is gained by living an examined life?
Apology
1. Name and describe Socrates' philosophical method.
2. Who said "The unexamined life is not worth living."?
3. How was Socrates lead to his definition of wisdom? (as described in
Apology). Explain how his definition actually followed from his experiences
4. Why were the poets, politicians and artisans not as wise as Socrates? (apology
5. How does Socrates' story starting at the Oracle at Delphi provide a
defense against the Unofficial (old) charges? Explain how the elements of the story provide a direct defense to each of the charges.
6. Explain the difference between the Official Charges and Unofficial Charges against Socrates. Which does he fear most and why? How is Socrates' approach to the Official Charges different from his approach to the Unofficial Charges?
7. What argument does Socrates give that death is not to be feared? Are you convinced? Which of the two possible theories of death do you think is most likely to be true? On that theory, do you think it would ever be rational to fear your own death?
8. How does Socrates argument refute Meletus' claim that Socrates is an atheist?
9.. Do you agree with Socrates' reasoning in refuting the Official
Charge of corrupting the young?
10.. All things considered, would you have convicted Socrates? Explain the reasons you consider on both sides and why you find one side more convincing.
11. How does Socrates serve as a model for The Examined Life? What, if
anything, is shown to be desireable about such a life by Socrates?
Phaedo
Explain the following arguments for the immortality of the soul found in Phaedo AND whether you find them convincing.
1. The Argument From Opposites(70b-72a)
2.Argument from Recollection(73c-76d)
3.Affinity/Simplicity Argument(78b-80d)
4.The Final Argument From Essential Properties(100a-107a)
5. Explain the 'cloak objection' and the 'harmony objection' to the claim that the soul is immortal.