PHIL 100 MIDTERM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
philosophy - Answers - love of wisdom or drawn to wisdom
Philia - Answers - attraction or love
Sophia - Answers - Greek word for wisdom
1. What kind of knowledge does wisdom entail? - Answers - wisdom encompasses a
multidimensional and holistic form of knowledge that integrates practical experience,
ethical understanding, emotional intelligence, and a deep appreciation for the
complexity of life and human nature.
a. In what way is philosophy different from most other disciplines? - Answers -
Philosophy pursues questions in every dimension of human life, and its techniques
apply to problems in any field of study or endeavor.
b. Why is dialogue so central to philosophy? - Answers - one of its functions is to avoid
dogmatic theorizing and to engage the reader to participate actively in the philosophical
conversation depicted. Plato, it is often argued, regarded conversation as central for
participants in philosophy
a. Is philosophy concerned more with answering long-established questions, or with
questioning the very questions that orient understanding? - Answers - Philosophy is
concerned with both answering long-established questions and questioning the very
questions that orient understanding. It is a multifaceted discipline that engages in a
dynamic process of inquiry.
1. Why is Socrates so famous? - Answers - Known as the father of philosophy
a. What were some of his personal and physical characteristics? E.g., what did he do
for a living, was he handsome, was he courageous, could he drink, etc? - Answers -
Appearance: Socrates is often described as having a distinctive and somewhat
unconventional appearance. He is depicted as having a stocky build, a broad and flat
nose, and a balding or unkempt head of hair. His eyes are noted to be piercing and
expressive. Lifestyle: Socrates lived a simple and modest lifestyle. Occupation:
Socrates did not hold a traditional occupation. He devoted himself to philosophy and
intellectual pursuits.
Courage: Socrates is often regarded as a courageous figure. He faced controversy and
criticism for his philosophical ideas, challenging traditional beliefs and engaging in
critical discourse. Sobriety: Socrates was known for his self-control and sobriety. Wit
and Irony: Socrates was known for his wit and irony. Marital Status: Socrates was
married to Xanthippe, and they had three sons. Influence on Others: Socrates had a
profound influence on many of his students, including Plato
, 1. Why was Socrates a target of derision? - Answers - He was accused of corrupting the
minds of the youth of Athens
ii. What is the connection between Socrates and goats? - Answers - The reference to
goats serves as a playful way to emphasize the notion that Socrates was a
philosophical disruptor in Athenian society.
5. What was Plato's relationship with Socrates? - Answers - Plato was Socrates'
student, and Plato wrote dialogues based on Socrates
a. Are the dialogues Plato wrote historical transcripts of actual conversations or works of
poetry/myth? - Answers - In summary, Plato's dialogues are philosophical works of
prose that use a dramatic and dialogical format to explore and convey philosophical
ideas. While they are not historical transcripts, they are not purely works of poetry or
myth either.
6. What is the significance of the fact that Plato wrote only dialogues? - Answers -
Overall, Plato's choice to write only dialogues reflects his commitment to the Socratic
method, his pedagogical aims, and his belief in the dynamic and transformative nature
of philosophy as a process of inquiry and dialectical exchange.
a. What does Euthyphro do for a living? - Answers - He was a prophet
a. Does Socrates 'educate' Euthyphro in the manner we ordinarily understand
instruction to take place (a wiser person informs an ignorant person of some truth)? -
Answers - In the dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro, Socrates engages
Euthyphro in a philosophical conversation aimed at exploring the nature of piety and the
relationship between Socrates' method is less about imparting knowledge and more
about facilitating the pursuit of wisdom through inquiry and dialogue. The aim is to help
individuals recognize the limitations of their own understanding, question their
assumptions, and arrive at more well-reasoned and thoughtful conclusions.
9. Why is Euthyphro at King Archon's court? - Answers - He is there to prosecute his
father for killing a servant who killed someone else. It is against Greek norms to turn
your back on your parents as you must honor your father
1. What is Socrates doing at King Archon's court? - Answers - He is being charged by
Meletus for corrupting the minds of the youth
1. What is so peculiar about how Euthyphro defends his desire to prosecute his father?
- Answers - The peculiar aspect of his defense lies in his belief that the gods approve of
his actions and that piety is defined by what the gods approve of. Euthyphro holds that
what is pious is pious because the gods love it, and what is impious is impious because
the gods hate it. Is something morally right because the gods approve of it, or do the
gods approve of it because it is morally right?
philosophy - Answers - love of wisdom or drawn to wisdom
Philia - Answers - attraction or love
Sophia - Answers - Greek word for wisdom
1. What kind of knowledge does wisdom entail? - Answers - wisdom encompasses a
multidimensional and holistic form of knowledge that integrates practical experience,
ethical understanding, emotional intelligence, and a deep appreciation for the
complexity of life and human nature.
a. In what way is philosophy different from most other disciplines? - Answers -
Philosophy pursues questions in every dimension of human life, and its techniques
apply to problems in any field of study or endeavor.
b. Why is dialogue so central to philosophy? - Answers - one of its functions is to avoid
dogmatic theorizing and to engage the reader to participate actively in the philosophical
conversation depicted. Plato, it is often argued, regarded conversation as central for
participants in philosophy
a. Is philosophy concerned more with answering long-established questions, or with
questioning the very questions that orient understanding? - Answers - Philosophy is
concerned with both answering long-established questions and questioning the very
questions that orient understanding. It is a multifaceted discipline that engages in a
dynamic process of inquiry.
1. Why is Socrates so famous? - Answers - Known as the father of philosophy
a. What were some of his personal and physical characteristics? E.g., what did he do
for a living, was he handsome, was he courageous, could he drink, etc? - Answers -
Appearance: Socrates is often described as having a distinctive and somewhat
unconventional appearance. He is depicted as having a stocky build, a broad and flat
nose, and a balding or unkempt head of hair. His eyes are noted to be piercing and
expressive. Lifestyle: Socrates lived a simple and modest lifestyle. Occupation:
Socrates did not hold a traditional occupation. He devoted himself to philosophy and
intellectual pursuits.
Courage: Socrates is often regarded as a courageous figure. He faced controversy and
criticism for his philosophical ideas, challenging traditional beliefs and engaging in
critical discourse. Sobriety: Socrates was known for his self-control and sobriety. Wit
and Irony: Socrates was known for his wit and irony. Marital Status: Socrates was
married to Xanthippe, and they had three sons. Influence on Others: Socrates had a
profound influence on many of his students, including Plato
, 1. Why was Socrates a target of derision? - Answers - He was accused of corrupting the
minds of the youth of Athens
ii. What is the connection between Socrates and goats? - Answers - The reference to
goats serves as a playful way to emphasize the notion that Socrates was a
philosophical disruptor in Athenian society.
5. What was Plato's relationship with Socrates? - Answers - Plato was Socrates'
student, and Plato wrote dialogues based on Socrates
a. Are the dialogues Plato wrote historical transcripts of actual conversations or works of
poetry/myth? - Answers - In summary, Plato's dialogues are philosophical works of
prose that use a dramatic and dialogical format to explore and convey philosophical
ideas. While they are not historical transcripts, they are not purely works of poetry or
myth either.
6. What is the significance of the fact that Plato wrote only dialogues? - Answers -
Overall, Plato's choice to write only dialogues reflects his commitment to the Socratic
method, his pedagogical aims, and his belief in the dynamic and transformative nature
of philosophy as a process of inquiry and dialectical exchange.
a. What does Euthyphro do for a living? - Answers - He was a prophet
a. Does Socrates 'educate' Euthyphro in the manner we ordinarily understand
instruction to take place (a wiser person informs an ignorant person of some truth)? -
Answers - In the dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro, Socrates engages
Euthyphro in a philosophical conversation aimed at exploring the nature of piety and the
relationship between Socrates' method is less about imparting knowledge and more
about facilitating the pursuit of wisdom through inquiry and dialogue. The aim is to help
individuals recognize the limitations of their own understanding, question their
assumptions, and arrive at more well-reasoned and thoughtful conclusions.
9. Why is Euthyphro at King Archon's court? - Answers - He is there to prosecute his
father for killing a servant who killed someone else. It is against Greek norms to turn
your back on your parents as you must honor your father
1. What is Socrates doing at King Archon's court? - Answers - He is being charged by
Meletus for corrupting the minds of the youth
1. What is so peculiar about how Euthyphro defends his desire to prosecute his father?
- Answers - The peculiar aspect of his defense lies in his belief that the gods approve of
his actions and that piety is defined by what the gods approve of. Euthyphro holds that
what is pious is pious because the gods love it, and what is impious is impious because
the gods hate it. Is something morally right because the gods approve of it, or do the
gods approve of it because it is morally right?
