Philosophy is committed to inquiring into the reasons for our beliefs.
What do the different ways in which the authors invoke classical antiquity demonstrate about the contemporary problems and issues of Plato, St. Paul, Einhard, Notker the Stammerer, and Machiavelli?
July 30, 2019Describe in your own words, what it must have been like for these prehistoric people to venture into the caves and create this incredible artwork.
July 30, 2019Philosophy is committed to inquiring into the reasons for our beliefs.
Question Description
Philosophy is committed to inquiring into the reasons for our beliefs.
This commitment seems to engender, very naturally, a commitment to the idea that doing so is good for us and constitutes the essential component of our well-being. “The unexamined life is not worth living,” states Socrates.
The philosophers we have studied this semester differ on the nature of the universe, how to describe it, and what knowledge of it consists of — but they all agree that Philosophy amounts to taking care of one’s self. If it is possible for humans to be happy, it must be a happiness that is proper to our stature as rational beings, that makes the best use of our capabilities, and develops our potentials to the fullest.
Question
How does ancient philosophy help us to practice care of the self? How are we to define ‘the good life’, in this highest sense, and what activities are necessary for realizing it? Examine how the ancient philosophers we have studied (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus and other Stoics) contribute to our understanding of all that is involved in self-careand its relationship to true happiness. Which philosopher provides the strongest or most convincing definition of the human condition and the nature of wisdom, in your view? Overview their contributions to this question and assess their value for modern people in the 21st century. Why are their philosophies still relevant on this question?
Instructions:
Your essay should be from 1500-2000 words, and include the perspectives of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics. This assignment is meant to allow you to make some general observations and comparisons — there is enough room to provide each philosopher’s justification for his position, but avoid digressing into other topics that are not necessary for the question. Take a position and explain why one of these philosophers is more ‘right’ by making an argument about human nature and the needs of our society today. For the final section on the relevance of these ancient philosophers today, be sure to provide an argument that supports your opinion.
