Midterm Study Guide – History of Western Philosophy I

Consult the study guide for Quiz #1 also.

Plato – Describe the three parts of the city-state and soul, and how the three parts are related to one another. What examples does Plato use to distinguish the three parts of the soul from one another? Discuss the virtues of the city-state and soul, and state where the virtues are located in each of these entities.

Aristotle – Discuss the following concepts: the highest good, ends and means, complete and incomplete ends. Why does Aristotle claim that pleasure, honor, virtue, and wealth are each insufficient for happiness? What is the function of a human being, and how is this distinguished from the function of plants and animals? Why does Aristotle think that fortune is necessary for happiness? Describe Aristotle’s distinction between the three parts of the soul and his distinction between the virtues of thought and the virtues of character. How do we acquire the virtues of character? What is the difference between virtue, continence, incontinence, and vice? What is the doctrine of the mean? Be prepared to illustrate it with a few examples such as bravery and temperance.

Epicureanism – What is hedonism, and how is Epicureanism a type of hedonism? What are the three types of desires and which type does Epicurus recommend and why? Be prepared to illustrate your answer with examples. For Epicurus, what principle do we use to determine which pleasures and pains to experience? What is the importance of the simple life and tranquility – freedom from pain? How is the fear of death and God relevant here?

Stoicism – Why, for the Stoics, is virtue a sort of resignation or austere indifference to pleasure and pain, and consists in acting in harmony with nature? What does this have to do with their views about the rational order of the universe, and their claim that fortune has no affect of the happiness of the virtuous person?