Question 1

Explain the allegory of the cave and the lessons that it is supposed to impart.

Accepted Answer

The allegory of the cave is a famous story from Plato's Republic that uses the metaphor of prisoners in a cave to illustrate the concept of enlightenment and the journey from ignorance to knowledge. In the allegory, prisoners are chained inside a cave and can only see the shadows of objects cast by a fire behind them. They believe these shadows to be the only reality because they have never seen anything else.

One prisoner is freed and forced to leave the cave, where he is initially blinded by the sunlight but eventually comes to see the true nature of the world outside the cave. He then returns to the cave to tell the other prisoners about the outside world, but they do not believe him and even mock him.

The allegory of the cave is meant to impart several lessons. Firstly, it illustrates the idea that most people are trapped in a world of ignorance and are unaware of the true nature of reality. It also highlights the difficulty of accepting new ideas and the resistance to change that often accompanies them. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and enlightenment, even if it means leaving behind the comfort of familiar beliefs. Overall, the allegory of the cave serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of knowledge and the importance of questioning our assumptions about the world.

Question 2

How do Socrates and the others define justice and injustice? How do they arrive at this definition, and do you think that this is a good definition? Explain.

Accepted Answer

Socrates and the others define justice as the quality of being fair and just, while injustice is the opposite - the quality of being unfair and unjust. They arrive at this definition through a series of dialogues and debates, where they examine various examples and scenarios to determine what constitutes justice and injustice.

Socrates argues that justice is a virtue of the soul, and that it is better to suffer injustice than to commit it. He also suggests that justice is related to the idea of the greater good, and that it is essential for the well-being of society as a whole.

While their definition of justice and injustice is thought-provoking and has been influential in philosophical discussions, it may not be a perfect or complete definition. It is based on their own perspectives and interpretations, and may not encompass all aspects of justice and injustice. Additionally, different cultures and societies may have different understandings of these concepts.

In conclusion, while Socrates and the others' definition of justice and injustice is thought-provoking and has its merits, it may not be a definitive or universally applicable definition. It is important to continue exploring and debating these concepts to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding.

Question 3

Socrates imagines Athens as a just society.

Accepted Answer

Socrates, in his dialogues, primarily focuses on the concept of justice and the just individual rather than imagining or describing Athens as a just society. His discussions often critique the existing state of society and governance in Athens.

Question 4

They define "justice" as each individual trying to gain power.

Accepted Answer

This definition of justice is incorrect. Justice is the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals, not the pursuit of personal power.

Question 5

They define "injustice" as a single individual either performing multiple functions or performing a function for which one is not naturally well suited.

Accepted Answer

The definition of "injustice" provided in the question is that it occurs when a single individual performs multiple functions or performs a function for which they are not naturally well suited. This definition is consistent with the concept of injustice as it is commonly understood, which is that it involves the unfair or improper treatment of individuals.

Question 6

The philosopher king is a craftsman.

Accepted Answer

The philosopher king, as described by Plato in "The Republic," is not considered a craftsman but rather an ideal ruler who possesses both the wisdom and the moral character to govern justly, focusing on the realm of ideas and governance rather than manual or craft-based work.

Question 7

The allegory of the cave illustrates that the Good is the last thing one learns.

Accepted Answer

In the allegory of the cave, the Good or the Form of the Good is depicted as the ultimate reality and the source of all other Forms. It is only through a journey of education and philosophical inquiry that one can come to understand the Good. Therefore, the Good is the last thing one learns.

Question 8

The philosopher wants to hold office.

Accepted Answer

The statement is too general and lacks context; philosophers as a group do not share a uniform desire to hold office, as their interests and ambitions can vary widely.

Question 9

Mathematical knowledge, according to Socrates, is the highest kind of knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Socrates, as represented in Plato's works, considered philosophical knowledge, especially the understanding of virtue and the good, as the highest form of knowledge, rather than mathematical knowledge.

Question 10

What are the three laws of nature? How does Hobbes arrive at them?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the three laws of nature?...

Question 11

Summarize Hobbes' argument against the fool in your own words. Do you find it persuasive? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Summarize Hobbes' argument against the fool in...

Question 12

Different human beings have very different abilities, making some of us clearly superior to others.

Accepted Answer

It is not appropriate to make a blanket statement that one person is superior to another based solely on their abilities. Each person has their own unique set of talents and strengths that can be valued equally. It is important to recognize and celebrate diversity in abilities and qualities in order to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Question 13

The state of nature is a state of bad government.

Accepted Answer

The state of nature is a theoretical concept in political philosophy that describes a hypothetical state in which individuals live without any government or social order. It is not a state of bad government because there is no government at all.

Question 14

The fool argues that it is always rational to keep one's contracts.

Accepted Answer

Keeping one's contracts is generally considered rational due to the benefits of trust and reliability in social and economic interactions. However, there can be situations where it might be rational to break a contract, such as when circumstances change drastically or if the contract becomes unethical or harmful. Rationality can depend on the context and the consequences of keeping versus breaking a contract.

Question 15

It is irrational to do something that one does not think will benefit one's self-interest.

Accepted Answer

It is generally assumed that humans act in their own self-interest. If someone does something that they do not think will benefit their self-interest, it is considered irrational behavior.

Question 16

The origin of justice is the obligation to keep one's agreements.

Accepted Answer

Many philosophers, including Aristotle, believed that justice is rooted in the idea of fulfilling one's promises and agreements. This is known as the principle of reciprocity, where individuals are obligated to keep their end of the bargain in order for society to function harmoniously.

Question 17

Every person has a right to do what he or she judges necessary to preserve his or her own life.

Accepted Answer

This is a fundamental right recognized in most legal systems and moral frameworks. It is based on the principle of self-preservation and individual autonomy.

Question 18

The role of the government is to enforce contracts by coercive threats.

Accepted Answer

One of the primary roles of the government in a market economy is to provide legal institutions that enforce the rules of the game. This includes the enforcement of contracts and property rights. The government uses coercive threats, such as fines or imprisonment, to deter individuals from violating the terms of an agreement.

Question 19

Human beings seek peace

Accepted Answer

Human beings seek peace on the basis of reason. While some may find religious or spiritual reasons to pursue peace, the overarching drive for peace comes from our logical understanding that it is beneficial for our survival and well-being. Chance may play a role in certain instances, such as when two warring factions happen to stumble upon a truce, but in general, peace is sought out deliberately and intentionally.

Question 20

The right of nature is

Accepted Answer

The right of nature refers to the idea put forth by philosopher Thomas Hobbes that everyone has the right to do what they judge necessary to preserve their own life. This right is considered to be a fundamental aspect of human nature and is the basis for the social contract theory proposed by Hobbes. This right is not about breaking contracts or government punishment, but about the individual's inherent right to self-preservation. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Quiz 8: Society