POLS 041 Midterm
What is the distinction between traditional and modern political lying? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
-"The difference between a traditional lie and a modern lie will more than not amount to the difference between hiding and destroying" -Traditional lying is abstaining from sharing information. There can be a justification for doing this (ex. Diplomats, states-person) -Modern lying is attempting to CREATE REALITY. In order to do this, you have to DESTROY SOME OF THE REALITY THAT WAS THERE (ex. Using mass media).
According to Lines, how does Antigone act? What would they be considered as? (Lines - Antigone's Flaw)
-According to Lines - Antigone acts outside of the political realm -Antigone doesn't want to change the laws -Antigone's disobedience is not political - the city decides that this is political -Antigone refuses to recognize the political definitions --This is because she has a moral commitment to the gods and her family --Creon believes she is burying a traitor
What are the arguments that the communitarian patriot and liberal impartialist raise for the other as being "morally dangerous?" (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
-According to the communitarian, the liberal morality of impartiality is dangerous because we can't see ourselves as part of a narrative of an individual life embedded in a history of one's own country -Without that, there is no understanding of what I owe to others or they to me, or for what I owe reparation, and for what to feel gratitude -According to the liberal moral theorist, the things that are exempt from criticism are... 1. The nation conceived as a project - not a loyalty to leaders AND 2. The project may require that I work toward the success of a project that may not be in the interests of humanity as a whole -*THIS FOR THE LIBERAL MORAL THEORIST, IS DANGEROUS, TOO*
What does Arendt have to say about the political world and its dangers? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
-Arendt says that the political world is HUMANLY CREATED, it is not natural therefore, it is FRAGILE. -The danger to the political world is itself - disagreements harm it. -Politics is about freedom, not necessity. -The seduction of the political world says that IN ORDER TO BE HEARD, you need to ALIGN YOURSELF TO A SPECIFIC INTEREST or side.
Compare Niemand to MacIntyre. (Niemand - Defending the American Patriot)
-Both refer to the nations as "projects." -Places goods of other patriots over regular citizens -One must be ready to kill and fight others
What are some of Creon's shortcomings? Where do they stem from? (Sophocles - Antigone)
-Creon cannot understand that there are other motives for people disagreeing with him other than money -HE CANNOT IMAGINE OTHERS ACTING FOR HIGHER MOTIVES OR MOTIVES OTHER THAN MONEY -Creon wouldn't allow a burial of any sort because: --He is a new ruler --He makes mistakes, trying too hard
What is Crito like? (Plato - Crito)
-Crito is a conventional person who cannot see past the conventional -Crito is on the horizon of the conventional way of viewing the world because he is concerned with his reputation is worried about what people will say about him -Crito thinks Socrates is betraying his principles if he doesn't escape
Who is "Daimon" and what is his relationship to Socrates? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Daimon is a voice that tells Socrates what to do. -Socrates argues that by acting in accordance to this divine voice, this shows his piety and his devotion to the gods. -The problem is that Socrates is the only one who can hear this voice
What is Dewey's problem with the Platonic view? (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
-Dewey thinks that the Platonic view misunderstands the idea that there is a template of reality, one which our world is measuring up to. -Instead, one should be open to the CONTINGENCY OF THE WORLD, philosophy is a way of experimentation with society in the world. -In other words, he argues for OPENNESS, AN ABSENCE OF ABSOLUTE TRUTHS, AND EXPERIMENTATION. (Platonists are completely against this)
What is Dewey's understanding of philosophy? (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
-Dewey understands philosophy as being rooted in moral convictions. -Dewey says that philosophy is a PERSONAL EXPRESSION of values and views and interjecting them into politics. -Philosophy is a form of expression and is used to PERSUADE other people (even one's self)
What does MacIntyre think happens when the group you are loyal to behaves unjustly? (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
-First you must define unjust -One could you label the action unjust, but they are only giving view to the perspective of their community -Patriotism is not mindless devotion, if your community behaves unjustly, the nation is still a project and there is a commitment to making it better.
What does Plato think about other modes of life? (Plato - Allegory of the Cave)
-He believes that most of us are IRRETRIEVABLY LIVING A LIFE AS SLAVES. -He makes philosophy the only and HIGHEST MODE of human life. -Plato thinks that there is an order that humans are supposed to live by - "a rational guiding truth."
How does Socrates interpret the conclusion from the Oracle at Delphi? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-He claims that is the wisest because in an ironic sense, he knows nothing and claims to know nothing - this makes him clear-headed -He says that everyone in Athens claims to be knowledgeable, but when questions they cannot be held accountable (ex. Statesmen of the society)
What does MacIntyre say about the communitarian patriot's point of view? (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
-He thinks that those who view morality in the way that liberal impartialists who don't have the groundings and support to become a moral agent -This is because you learn morality from your community
What is it about historical, factual truth that makes it so vulnerable? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
-Human memory is subjective - for example, eyewitnesses can be unreliable. -Factual truth is CONTINGENT - IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE THE WAY THAT IS WAS. -Factual truth is vulnerable because of this exact contingency. Because the result didn't have to be that way, this opens up its VULNERABILITY TO MANIPULATION.
What is Plato's philosophy? (Plato - Allegory of the Cave)
-If you live in accordance with the truth or follow the genuine truth of human nature, you will be happy. -Philosophy is "a love of the truth"
Why have liberal societies managed to contain conflict over "ultimate questions" of philosophy, morality, and religion? (Rorty - The Priority of Democracy to Philosophy)
-In liberal societies, these questions are privatized. As a result, there is peace when you keep politics private. This creates room to compromise. Liberal societies work because these questions - which were once at the center of life - have become private. So, it makes it easier to live with those who disagree with you politically. -Bringing these questions back invite conflict and war.
So, what is Arendt's overall view? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
-In order to have a world where people are free to make their own judgements and discourse, WE NEED HISTORICAL FACTUAL TRUTHS AS A FOUNDATION. -We cannot have a political world if we cannot have a COMMON FOUNDATION OF FACTS THAT EVERYONE ACCEPTS.
Why is the fact that Antigone buried her brother twice significant? (Sophocles - Antigone)
-It is significant because she believes that it is her duty to make sure her brother gets the proper burial -It is her duty from the gods to ensure that he reaches the afterlife
Why does Kateb say that egoism is superior to patriotism? (Kateb - Patriotism and other Mistakes)
-Kateb says that egoism is more superior because it is explicit and less dangerous -Patriotism, on the other hand, is boundless and potent. It generates the willing desire to kill and die (this includes ideology and nationalism).
Kateb speaks approvingly of Lincoln and yet says "we should not emulate him" - why? (Kateb - Patriotism and other Mistakes)
-Kateb says that we should commit to an ideal instead of manipulation -Lincoln used patriotism as an instrument to accomplish a moral end that wouldn't have been accomplished with anything else - this is rare for patriotism to be used to solve a moral problem
What does MacIntyre say about the liberal impartialist viewpoint? (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
-Learning morality is as impersonal as learning math - it doesn't matter from whom it is learned -Abstract, artificial stance - there are no limits on the criticism of the status quo
What is Lines's main message? (Lines - Antigone's Flaw)
-Lines main message is that Antigone is a flawed character -Conflict between Antigone and Creon is representative of degraded and corrupt politics -Inability to deliberate, listen, shows commitment to an absolute truth -MAIN MESSAGE: Listen to other people, be open to ideas, especially if one is to act in the public realm
What does MacIntyre emphasize as a specific quantity of community (hint: it cannot be detached.) (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
-MacIntyre emphasizes gratitude for the communities that shape you - even if you end up questioning them -This is a part of you that cannot be detached
What does MacIntyre say about narrative? (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
-MacIntyre says that as an actual, existing being, we are always located in a specific narrative. -Learning this story provides us with guidelines -Moreover, you learn how to act your best self if you live within the narrative - this real world anchor gives you guidance
What does MacIntyre think can cause a moral dilemma? (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
-MacIntyre thinks that a sophisticated sense of rationalism will cause a moral dilemma -This is because it will lead you to consider your value within that of your community
Kateb distinguishes between a "principle" and an "abstraction." What role does these concepts play in his account of patriotism? (Kateb - Patriotism and other Mistakes)
-Moral principles are not created - individuals affirm and live by principles, but they are not dependent on our creation. -Abstractions are imaginary - so patriotism is the readiness to die and kill for an imaginary figment -The difference is not that you would not do this for a principle, it indicated that if there is no principle for which you would put above your own survival to kill and die for - this indicates a moral failure.
According to Kateb, is patriotism a form of morality? (Kateb - Patriotism and other Mistakes)
-No, Kateb says that there is no moral form of patriotism. -When he talks about patriotism, he emphasizes the death and militarism involved.
According to Dewey, is there a singular truth? (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
-No, there is no real truth. -Individuals choose their own philosophies, it is difficult to capture one, solidifying truth when everyone has different experiences. -To try and capture one truth is "practically insane" (41).
What is the biggest difference between philosophy and democracy? (Walzer - Philosophy and Democracy)
-Philosophy is more concerned with truth. In order to seek this knowledge, you must posit its possibility and consider outcomes. There is no political loyalty in philosophy. The philosopher must detach himself from any community, the city, and its values. This is because he is looking for a universal answer. -Democracy is more concerned with the will and the masses. It is also shaped by previous ideals and preconceived notions.
How does Walzer go about defending the reality of the cave against philosophic inquiry? (Walzer - Philosophy and Democracy)
-REASON 1: It is rational for people to reject the truths because the people are bonded together through shared experiences. They have history and value - this matters rationally to them. CHANGE CAN DERAIL THIS BONDING. -The political institutions are not perfect, but there is value to them - how they have shaped the group is unexplainable. -REASON 2: The political institutions bind people together - the people created them and there is a sense of possession to them. There is an emphasis on the process through which the products were created.
What is the difference between rational and factual truth? Which is more vulnerable? What is it most vulnerable to? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
-Rational truth is OUTSIDE the human and political realms -Rational truth is mathematical and abstract - it mirrors platonic universal truths. If they were lost, it is plausible to think that they are discoverable. -Factual truth lies INSIDE the human and political realms -Factual truth is more vulnerable. This is because it CANNOT be brought back when it is forgotten. -Factual truth is more vulnerable TO BE ERASED IN THE PURSUIT OF POWER because it has a difficult time defending itself in life of authority.
What is Antigone's Flaw? (Lines - Antigone's Flaw)
-SELF CERTAINTY [PROHIBITS DELIBERATION] -ANTIGONE'S SELF-CERTAINTY AND SELF-ISOLATION CUT SHORT ALL POSSIBILITIES FOR FULL POLITICAL DELIBERATION [which was needed for Creon to change his mind, and Ismene to come around]. -HER SELF CERTAINTY AND SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS BROUGHT HER DOWN. -Humans need to SHARE INSIGHT to gain the larger view of truth. -We should recognize the HUBRIS IN OURSELVES.
What are some of the attractive qualities that Antigone possesses? (Sophocles - Antigone)
-She is so strong in her beliefs that she defies the law - she acted for what she thought was right -She is obsessed with her own persona. This is revealed when she calls her sister too afraid to help her. This act is her "thing" - she will do it on her own
What are some of the unattractive qualities that Antigone possesses? (Sophocles - Antigone)
-She is strong in her convictions - enough to go to death for them -She is steadfast and loyal to her family - buries her brother -She evokes an ESSENTIAL POLITICAL CATEGORIZATION -She owns up to her actions, she isn't willing to let her sister take the fall for her actions
What is Socrates strongly against? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates DOES NOT by any means argue for harming others -A good person will NEVER do harm to others -It would be doing harm to the people of Athens if he escaped, so he sticks true to the principles of what he believes in.
What is the Socratic view of politics? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates argues that entering into the political world guarantees you will not survive and that you will live unjustly -To live justly, is to stay out of politics -A philosophic life requires you to turn your back to the city, his mode of life cannot be squared away with the goals of the city
Why does Socrates compare himself to a Gadfly? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates compares himself to a gadfly because he is constantly trying to "poke" and "pry" -If he is a gadfly sent by the gods, he is challenging the city to think twice -When Socrates compares himself to a gadfly, he is saying that when one thinks about his philosophic activity, it actually serves the good of the city - it is politically beneficial
What are the old (unofficial) charges? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates is charged with two old charges. -The first old charge is that he turns the worst argument into the stronger one - this is indicative of sophistry -The second one is that he studies things above and below the earth (naturalism). He inquires into things that are against the proper preserve of an individual to look into (ex. Questioning the nature of the gods) - these things are taboo in the Socratic society. He also raises questions about the religion that is built into the city.
According to Socrates, what should one's highest priority be? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates says that one's goal should be to have knowledge that isn't just from interpretation - unless you devote your life to garnering this knowledge, you will live your life in an inferior way -Socrates says that you must devote your essence to separating what is from what is not
What does Socrates believe to be the highest form of human life? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates says that the highest form of human life is the philosophic life -This means that it is a certain mode of life - Socrates is an embodiment of this life -A fundamental aspect of this life is that one is not afraid to die -To learn how to live is to learn how to not be afraid to die -Socrates says that all other human beings are slaves to their mode of life and attempt to extend their life - this indicative of a fear of death
What is the difference between practical and theoretical knowledge? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates says that when he goes to the craftsmen, they have practical knowledge but they don't know anything outside of their craft or field -Additionally, Socrates says that they cannot explain their knowledge theoretically.
Why did Socrates stay in jail? (Plato - Crito)
-Socrates stays in the jail cell because it would be unjust to escape -Socrates thinks it would be unjust because he made an agreement, and breaking it would be unjust -Socrates doesn't accept the verdict on his own terms (he doesn't believe he did anything wrong), but not escaping the jail cell is about him OBEYING A PRINCIPLE - the principle is to keep agreements that are just -Socrates stays in the jail cell less so because he disobeyed the law, and more because LEAVING WOULD BE HARMING OTHERS. Socrates argues that a good person should never do harm to another, even if they harm you
Why is Socrates' comparison to a gadfly dangerous? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates thinks it is dangerous because a healthy political city needs to tolerate philosophy - they need his point of view. -Socrates is a civic figure and argues that philosophy can exist on its own terms - this makes the city better off
Why does Socrates encourage us to question responsibly? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-Socrates urges his audience to question responsibly because philosophy can be corrupted very easily, so we must question it responsibly and seriously -Irresponsible questioning and clever behaviors can corrupt philosophy and encourage bad behaviors and devolve into war -SO, HE ENCOURAGES US TO USE LANGUAGE AND REASON TO FIND TRUTH - NOT CONVERT THEM INTO WEAPONS FOR WAR
What are the new (official) charges? How does Socrates respond? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-THE FIRST IS IMPIETY - Socrates doesn't believe in the city's gods AND he introduces new divinities -SOCRATES'S RESPONSE: He says that if he is accused of introducing new gods, he cannot be an atheist. His argument is a little "fishy" because atheism wasn't a part of this charge. He does admit to having a private god who speaks to him, though. -THE SECOND IS THAT HE CORRUPTS THE YOUTH -SOCRATES'S RESPONSE: If you know what corrupts human nature, you must know who improves it. He argues that everyone in the city doesn't improve the youth and it is hard to believe that he is the only corruptor.
Who is Teiresias and why is he important? What does Creon accuse him of? (Sophocles - Antigone)
-Teiresias is a prophet -He sees the truth of the city -Creon accuses him of being paid off
What is the Oracle at Delphi and its relationship to Socrates? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-The Oracle at Delphi is a religious shrine in Delphi, Greece -If someone went to Delphi and asked a question, they would be given an answer (this is dependent upon the circumstances) -The Oracle's answers are always very ambiguous -The Oracle claims that no man is wiser than Socrates - however, since the answer is unclear Socrates interprets it in a specific way
What is the danger of the political realm? (Lines - Antigone's Flaw)
-The danger is that the political realm can make anything political -The political realm removes any possibility of committing to an ideal that is not political
What are the two types of philosophy? Which does Walzer consider to be more dangerous? (Walzer - Philosophy and Democracy)
-The first is analytical/contemplative philosophy - philosophers know the truth but do not translate it. -The second is heroic philosophy - philosopher translate the truth and persuade others to act. -Walzer is against HEROIC PHILOSOPHY because it is undemocratic and leans toward AUTHORITARIANISM.
According to Niemand, what are the two reasons for why we should be grateful? (Niemand - Defending the American Patriot)
-The first reason is for the sacrifices others make -The second reason is that one may be alienate from their country and this is an unfortunate loss that is damaging to one's self -To not recognize your country as a source of your ethical roots is indicative of a moral failure -You should be thankful regardless - the proper expression of this gratitude is patriotism.
Who are "the young"? What does it mean when we say Socrates "restrains the young"? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-The young is in reference to students, youth, people who are at the beginning of the most conscious part of their life -Socrates reveals that these people have been restrained (THE CITY DOES NOT KNOW THIS), now that he is gone they will be unleashed -When we say Socrates restrains the young, we say that the values and things people have grown up with are not binding, so he urges people to question responsibly (reject the virtues they have grown up with)
Explain Socrates claims to knowledge. What does it do? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-There are instances when Socrates claims to know about significantly important things - this complicates his self-deprecating claims to knowledge. -He claims directly to know the best way for a human being to live (even though he doesn't disagree or suggest a way to live). -He claims to know what is objectively important in life -He says that the "unexamined life is not worth living" - this means that the people on the jury do not understand that their way of life is not human
What is Arendt's attitude toward the relationship between truth and politics? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
-Truth and politics have a long history of being in conflict with each other. -Truth is not at home in politics.
According to Socrates, when are we free? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-We are free to do the right thing when we are not bounded by the expectations of others -We are free when we are able to do good -Socrates argues for openness to the reality of things and discerning that one should discard any desire to "follow their dream" - this is selfish and self centered (we must look at the content of our choices)
What does Arendt believe make us free? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
-What makes us free is a PLURALITY OF OPINIONS and views -What makes us free is openness to changing and persuading
What does Dewey mean when he says that traditional philosophy is feudal? (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
-When Dewey says that traditional philosophy is feudal he is saying that things in the world occupy certain grades of value. With regards to philosophy, it suggests that some realities are superior to others. -When philosophy is feudal, it means that it justifies a particular scheme of authority.
What does it mean when we say Socrates practices sophistry? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
-When Socrates practices sophistry we mean that he learns the techniques of argument and questioning to get people to believe him and do what he wants. -Sophists are purveyors of the most important technical skills - they can teach you how to persuade other people to do what you want to that you can get what you want
According to Dewey, why do we need philosophers? (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
-When people wrestle facts to a purpose, it shows that they care - it underscores vigor, ardency, and passion. When people show the need and desire to express their ideals through the "garb of philosophy" it indicates that culture is alive and breathing. -Dewey DOES NOT explicitly state that one should lie.
Would Walzer agree or disagree with Plato? (Walzer - Philosophy and Democracy)
-While he may accept that philosophy is about seeking the fundamental truth, he would disagree because he thinks it is possible to defend the people in the city/cave against philosophical beliefs. In other words, the people are justified in refusing the gifts Plato brings. -So, Walzer defends democratic politics against philosophy, but does not deny philosophy in its own terms. -But know that Walzer doesn't deny the claims of Plato's philosophy
According to MacIntyre, what is core to the idea of patriotism as a virtue? (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
1. If I can apprehend rules of morality only in a specific community AND 2. If morality's justification is in particular goods of particular communities AND 3. If I am created and maintained as a moral being IN a community THEN 4. Deprived of this community, I am unlikely to flourish as a moral agent. Without community, there are no standards of judgment. Patriotism gives those standards.
What does Rorty mean by the idea of a "disenchanted world?" (Rorty - The Priority of Democracy to Philosophy)
By the "disenchantment of the world," Rorty means that people shouldn't take their ideals out into the public world.
Compare Niemand to Kateb. (Niemand - Defending the American Patriot)
Costs of violating moral principles is not patriotic
What could the cave be symbolic for? (Plato - Allegory of the Cave)
Culture & upbringing
Does democracy stand in need of philosophical foundations? (Rorty - The Priority of Democracy to Philosophy)
Democracy DOES NOT stand in need of philosophical foundations - emphasis on historical ones.
Summarize Dewey's piece using a big picture statement. (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
Get other people to agree with the ideals you have for living your life.
What does Walzer advise the heroic philosopher to do? (Walzer - Philosophy and Democracy)
He advises the heroic philosopher to stay out of the realm of politics. The philosopher will not be accepted, he is one more opinion maker. His test is how many people he can persuade/influence.
What does Plato say about escaping the cave, but going back? (Plato - Allegory of the Cave)
If you escape the cave, but go back - you will be rejected. The honors of our lives (which amount to shadows) mean nothing to philosophers/those outside the cave, but everything to us (the people in the cave)
Why does MacIntyre say that the impartial moral standpoint and patriotic communitarian standpoint are "incompatible?" (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
LIBERAL: Abstract, artificial stance - there are no limits on the criticism of the status quo COMMUNITARIAN: Concrete stance as a member of a community - one knows what is required in that community -Rational criticism is ruled out in some cases, at least *The communitarian claims that the liberal theory is too open to criticism; the liberal theorist claims that the other is not open enough to criticism.*
What does Rorty mean by "light-mindedness" and how does it help what he is arguing? (Rorty - The Priority of Democracy to Philosophy) [ADD TO THIS]
Light-mindedness is...
What is a highlight of Arendt's description of lying? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
Lying itself partakes in some of the most free and admirable parts of human freedom.
Is Dewey's understanding similar to Walzer? (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
No, because Dewey doesn't point out a danger with inserting philosophy into politics. Philosophy is instead rooted in moral convictions.
Does the knowledge the philosopher gains warrant him power over other people? (Plato - Allegory of the Cave)
No, it is superficial
What does Kateb see as the essence of patriotism? (Kateb - Patriotism and other Mistakes)
Patriotism is a form of BIAS that it ultimately incompatible with moral principle, which is impartial and unbiased
According to Dewey, what is persuasive presentation? (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
Persuasive presentation is based on will - the part of life you choose to live - as opposed to science.
What is the relationship between philosophy and science? (Dewey - Philosophy and Democracy)
Philosophy depends on the best science of its day. You use science to defend your opinions; however, philosophy doesn't derive from science. PHILOSOPHY IS THE GARB OF KNOWLEDGE. The garb is an illusion and philosophy poses to the illusion of science.
Give some background on the Apology. (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
Plato confronts us with a problem of appearance that we cannot discern if it is reality or not.
Why does Arendt believe that politicizing the truth is so dangerous? (Arendt - Truth and Politics)
Politicizing the truth is so dangerous because it incites CYNICISM. IT DESTROYS ONE'S ABILITY TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN A SHARED SET OF FACTS. So there is no ground to stand on.
What does Rorty say we need for a working democratic society? (Rorty - The Priority of Democracy to Philosophy)
Rorty says that to have a democratic society, it is enough to have a pragmatic working consensus on the institutions that already exist.
How is Antigone similar to a traditional male? Who does this bother, particularly? (Sophocles - Antigone)
She exhibits qualities of a "traditional male," because she is defiant, challenges authority. Ismene acts more like a traditional female in that she directly says that one should be obedient and not challenge authority
If there was an injustice, who does Socrates think it was committed by? (Plato - Crito)
Socrates believes that if there were an injustice, it was committed by the men in the system, not the laws
What are the two options Socrates has and their implications? (Plato - Crito)
Socrates can live and escape -If he does this he shows that he is a hypocrite who is afraid of death. It shows he cares more about life than his principles -It shows that he is like everyone else who wants to save themselves Socrates can stay -If he does this, he shows that it's not life, but ONLY THE GOOD LIFE that matters. People will benefit because he stays true to his principles
According to Rorty, what is the cardinal sin of a liberal democracy? How do we avoid it? (Rorty - The Priority of Democracy to Philosophy)
The cardinal sin of a liberal democracy is TO IMPOSE PREFERENCES ON OTHERS. We avoid this by privatizing to avoid conflict.
Why does the city show contempt toward Socrates? (Plato - Crito)
The city displays contempt because Socrates is a difficult person to live with. He proves that the notion is a lie (that death is the worst thing) and is living proof that people will accept the highest price.
What is the Jeffersonian Compromise? What concept does this emphasize? (Rorty - The Priority of Democracy to Philosophy)
The compromise is to privatize religion, but not accuse it as false. Jefferson believes in the privatization of religion. So, you can believe in religion, but you must live with fellow citizens in the public realm. The Jeffersonian Compromise is sacrificing your most fundamental beliefs on the altar of political expediency.
What does Plato think about those with true knowledge? (Plato - Allegory of the Cave)
The people who have true knowledge about what is best for human beings SHOULD RULE. These people are not rulers - they are often killed or oppressed. We must make them go back, even though they do not want to.
What is the problem that Socrates faces? (Plato - Apology of Socrates)
The problem he faces is that the world thinks he is a persuasive, manipulative speaker persuading others to do what he wants.
Summarize concisely Socrates's argument about harm. (Plato - Crito)
To Socrates, violating the institutions and practices of the city in this case is harming others
What is the relationship between truth and politics? (Plato - Allegory of the Cave)
Truth and politics ARE AT ODDS with each other. There is no expectation for the truth to guide politics.
What does Walzer say about democratic actions? (Walzer - Philosophy and Democracy)
Walzer acknowledges that democratic actions are not always the right actions.
What is Walzer's opinion on the courts? (Walzer - Philosophy and Democracy)
Walzer incites skepticism in the use of courts to decide what is right/wrong. Judges shouldn't be making the law, especially if they are basing laws on philosophical foundations and truths.
What is the compromise between Antigone and Creon? (Lines - Antigone's Flaw)
When there is a conflict between the political and public realm, destruction is not inevitable. You can work things out through deliberation.
From MacIntyre's eyes, is morality dependent on patriotism? (MacIntyre - Is Patriotism a Virtue?)
Yes, morality itself is dependent on patriotism.
Would Rorty consider Antigone to be a fanatic? (perhaps tying in the Jeffersonian Compromise)
a) First part: YES b) Rorty defines a fanatic --Only way to deal with them is to contain them because trying to find common ground results in disagreement -Fanatic - basically heroic philosophy -Fanatic should abandon or modify opinions
