Question 1

Euclid's axioms are a good example of what Aristotle has in mind when he talks of first principles-familiar because the students have all studied geometry.

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The answer of Euclid's axioms are a good example of...

Question 2

In discussing Aristotle on nature-facts, I find it useful to bring a prop: An orange, perhaps, or an apple or banana (whatever I'm having for lunch that day). The four causes can be nicely illustrated with such an example, too.

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The answer of In discussing Aristotle on nature-facts, I find...

Question 3

It is very hard to get students to grasp Aristotle's fundamental view of soul. They invariably think in terms of a thing or substance. Multiply examples like the eye or the axe or the wax seal, and keep hammering away at the idea of function.

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The answer of It is very hard to get students...

Question 4

When discussing Aristotle's critique of pleasure as the good, I tell students a little story. I have, I say, a machine. If they will get into it, this machine will give them-guaranteed-a life of more pleasure than they could get any other way. (You can elaborate on this in any number of directions.) Then I ask them how many would like to get into my machine-oh, wait, I say, there's one thing I forgot to tell you. If you once get into the machine, you can never get out again. But-incredible pleasures for the rest of your life! Then I ask them how many want to get in. Interesting results.

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The answer of When discussing Aristotle's critique of pleasure as...

Question 5

Students have a tendency to conclude that for Aristotle the good life is the life of contemplation-maybe because that is discussed last. Emphasize that there are many kinds of good lives exemplifying many kinds of virtues. True, there is one that is best. But it is not Aristotle's view that only the philosopher can live a good human life.

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Question 6

At some point you may want to make use of the symbolism in Raphael's painting on the cover, with Plato pointing upward and Aristotle having his hand out flat-each indicating what he takes to be reality.

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Quiz 7: The Trial and Death of Socrates

Euclid's axioms are a good example of what Aristotle has in mind when he talks of first principles-familiar because the students have all studied geometry.

In discussing Aristotle on nature-facts, I find it useful to bring a prop: An orange, perhaps, or an apple or banana (whatever I'm having for lunch that day). The four causes can be nicely illustrated with such an example, too.

It is very hard to get students to grasp Aristotle's fundamental view of soul. They invariably think in terms of a thing or substance. Multiply examples like the eye or the axe or the wax seal, and keep hammering away at the idea of function.

At some point you may want to make use of the symbolism in Raphael's painting on the cover, with Plato pointing upward and Aristotle having his hand out flat-each indicating what he takes to be reality.