Preparing for Quiz 3

In this section we begin our study of rationalism in epistemology. We read Plato's Meno and study Plato's metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, ethics, and aesthetics. You have to know a lot about Plato, because, as Alfred North Whitehead said, the whole rest of the history of Western philosophy is a response (Whitehead said a "footnote") to Plato.

This is the material for Quiz 3.

Readings for Quiz 3

The reading assignments for this section are:

• DP Ch 2 "Rationalist Epistemology," "The Philosophy of Plato"

• Meno (all)

  Good versions of the Meno are available free online: check out here (with a nice introduction), or here, or here.

• DP Ch 7 "Ancient Greek Moral Philosophers" (material on Plato only)

• DP Ch 9 "Political Philosophy" (material on Plato only)

• DP Ch 10 "Plato and Freud"

• The following notes:

  • Epistemology and Metaphysics

  • Rationalism

  • Notes on Plato's Meno

  • Plato's Philosophy as a Reply to Glaucon's Challenge

Objectives for Quiz 3

You should be able to answer the following essay questions:

1. What is epistemology?

2. What is the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?

3. What are typical questions in epistemology?

4. What is rationalism in epistemology?

5. Who were the Sophists?

6. What is the difference between rationalism and empiricism in epistemology?

7. What mistake does Meno keep making in his attempted definitions of arete?

8. What point is Socrates making when he mentions the statues of Daedalus in the last pages of the Meno?

9. What is Glaucon’s story of the ring of Gyges and what does Glaucon think it shows?

10. According to Plato, the good (well-ordered) city and the good (well-ordered) soul are alike because both adhere to the same governing principle. What is that principle?

11. Why does Plato forbid art in his ideal city?

12. What is Plato's Theory of Forms? What problems in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics is it intended to solve? Does it work?

13. Your sweetheart says “After studying Plato I realize that I don’t love you at all. I can only love your beauty, your goodness, your intelligence, your courage, and so on.” Should this bother you?  Explain clearly why Plato thinks individuals are unknowable.