The Republic 3/26/07

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.


It also could be that Plato thinks Hesiod is mis-representing the gods in some horrible way.


What are Homer and Hesiod guilty of?

Mis-representing the nature of gods

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

Compare what you wrote in your personal reflection above (#1) with what Plato wrote. How close were you to what Plato wrote?

Correct on how Plato wanted Hesiod and Homer censored.

The Republic 3/20

1) 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?

The point in a person's life with no regrets, no worries, and complete freedom to do and say what they wish while surrounded by those they like. Acting right can directly affect your happiness as far as regrets, worries, and freedom.

The Republic 3/19

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?

Generally, politicians and leaders are always making decisions for their best interest, thus meaning what is in their best interest is the law, and anything else is against the law.

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'.

3)In your opinion, is it ever right to harm somebody? Why or why not? What would Socrates and/or Thrasymachus say in response to your answer?

It is absolutely never right to harm another person. On the point of how wise men fight with their words, he might differ slightly.

Class Work 3/16/07

A) In your opinion, is Polemarchus definition of justice, derived from the poet Simonedes, an improvement from his father’s definition?

He revered both which gets me confused, but if I were to choose one now I would lean towards Simonedes side and the reason why is because he derived him.

B) What is Simonides definition of justice? Has Polemarchus interpreted him correctly?

Simonides states that Justice is to help your friends and also hurt your enemies around you. In my eyes I believe Polemarchus did interpret him the right way.

C) What problem does Socrates see in the phrase, “helping one’s friends and harming ones enemies”? Why is this not an accurate definition of justice?

He notices that man isn't always correct, and that a man bases his decisions on what he likes and what he dislikes. This is not an accurate defition of justice because a friend might not be actually good and a enemy might not be actually bad, so it doesn't depend on the person it depends on your opinion and your thoughts.

D) What lesson do you think Socrates/Plato is trying to prove by having Polemarchus give in to Socrates when his father (Cephalus) would not?

I dont think there is actually a meaning in this, but it might cause a arguement or a situation between the father and the son.

E) Whose argument do you find more convincing, Polemarchus or Socrates? Why? (This should be a longer response, short paragraph, about 5 sentences).

Polemarchus is wrong states Socrates, But Socrates himself does not have an arguement if you were to think real hard about it, he doesn't put together one. He just tries to prove that Polemarchus is wrong in all ways.

"Simile Of The Cave"

1.Compare and contrast what Socrates says in “The Simile of the Cave” with Fahrenheit 451. How are characters like Mildred similar to characters in “Simile of the Cave”?

2.

Those prisoners who are just chained up and don't question anything. In F451, the society was controlled socially by the government, and brainwashed into believing that whatever the government said was real, and there was no need to question it because there wasn't any room for it to be wrong. A mind that does not question will never discover anything of use.

Illiad Reading 3/1

1. What does Patroclus propose to Achilles and what is Achilles’ response? Why does Achilles grant Patroclus’ request?

Patroclus ask Achilles to fight. Achilles told him that he can fight but he has to wear his armor so the troyens can think its Achilles so mothing will happen to him.

2. 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?

What Patroclus ment was that the way that Achilles is acting is thw thing to his downfall.

3. Either ask questions about the text or write down vocab words from the text with definitions.

Why does Achilles let Patroclus go to battle?