Mid-Term Exam

Part One - Short Answers

1. Please give biographical data about Aristotle, being sure to include the century and place in which he lived, and the philosophical grounds on which he broke with Plato.
2. Please give biographical data about Aquinas, being sure to indicate the century and place in which he lived, and his importance to the history of Catholic thought.
3. Please explain the terms "matter," "form," "essence," "accident" and "proper accident" using the example of a human being.

Part Two - Essay Questions

Please answer two of the following three essay questions:

1. Lay out the essentials of three great "similes" at the heart of the Republic: the simile of the divided line, the simile of the sun and the simile of the Cave. Explain what Plato is attempting to convey with each, being sure to indicate the logical relationships among the three.
2. One of the greatest works of Greek literature is the Peloponnesian Wars by the historian Thucydides. At one point, according to Thucydides, one of the Athenian leaders gave a speech that included the following:

   …a city with the worse laws, if immoveable, is better than one with good laws, when they be not binding; and that a plain wit accompanied with modesty, is more profitable to the state than dexterity with arrogance; and that the more ignorant sort of men do, for the most part, better regulate a commonwealth than they that are wiser. For these love to appear wiser than the laws, and in all public debatings to carry the victory, as the worthiest things wherein to show their wisdom; from whence most commonly proceedeth the ruin of the states they live in. Whereas the other sort, mistrusting their own wits, are content to be esteemed not so wise as the laws, and not able to carp at what is well spoken by another: and so making themselves equal judges rather than contenders for mastery, govern a state for the most part well. We therefore should do the like; and not be carried away with combats of eloquence and wit, to give such counsel to your multitude as in our own judgments we think not good. (Cleon, in Thucydides' The History of the Peloponnesian War, Book III, Paragraph 37, translation by Thomas Hobbes)

   Explain clearly what the speaker is saying in this passage, indicating why it might seem a challenge to Plato's conception of rulership in the ideal state. Then indicate how Plato would respond. Finally, indicate whether you agree with Plato or the speaker, being sure to defend your answer. 

3. What does Aristotle mean by "virtue"? Explain why Aristotle thinks the acquisition of virtue is necessary for leading a good human life and why he thinks virtues must be acquired by "habituation."

GOOD LUCK!