3/28 Plato Assignment

Q. Short Paragraph – Personal Reflection: Before reading the selection from Plato write at least one full paragraph on this question: Why do you think Plato (or anyone else) would want to censor Homer (yesterday the question was about Hesiod)? You might want to think about Achilles as a "hero," and why or why not his personal characteristics are something that should be promoted, or not.
A. I think Plato would want to censor Homer because from what I have learned yesterday, some poets seem to misrepresent the gods. I think Homer has twisted up some of the traits of gods. I also think that Homer writes alot of about violence and betrayal, I don't think that's a good influence on society. Achilles for example, he seems like he's this powerful warrior who he believes he can do anything he wants, and noone can stop him because he is all that powerful. But then Homer describes him as this lazy, self centered coward, who I think is a bad influence on the younger audience.

Then read pp. 76-85 (Section b). Secondary or Literary Education)
Short Answers – Text based questions. Answer both questions, answers can be just a few sentences
Q1. According to Plato, what are some aspects of poetry that should be banned and why? In other words, how can poetry undermine the education of a Guardian?

A1. Some aspects of poetry that should be banned are the facts. Some poets go overboard and tend to "lie" to make their poetry seem more interesting. But I mean, good poetry has to be unsuitable for young audience even if it means stretching it far from the truth. Poetry can undermine the education of a Guardian because the Guardians need to be influenced with suitable stories and facts that will make them strong, fearless and wise. But hearing poetry such as the one's from Homer and Hesiod can influence them that their poetry is what they need to believe in, that is what's right.
Q2. What should poetry “teach” and why?

A2. Poetry should teach younger audience what's right from what's wrong, and they need to teach self control. For example, there's a short paragraph about how Zeus could not control himself that he wanted to make love to Hera. That's not exactly what we need to be teaching the young. First of all, it's inappropriate for younger ears, and second, it's teaching us that if you want something, there is nothing that can stop you from doing that. You have no self control. So I think if poems are going to be written, they need to have a lesson or a moral that atleast teaches us something.
Q. If you were talking to Plato what would you say to him? Do you agree with his ideas? Do you think poetry, or literature in general, should be put to the purposes that he says it should?

A. Some of Plato's ideas are a little over the top. Some aren't even necessary. But I do have to agree on some of them, like if poetry shall be written, they need to be appropriate for younger audience because what we teach the young now, can affect us in the future.

3/27 Plato Assignment

Q. Short Paragraph – Personal Reflection: Before reading the selection from Plato write at least one full paragraph on this question: Why do you think Plato (or anyone else) would want to censor Hesiod? Remember that Hesiod was the poet who wrote about the fight between the gods and the titans.
A. I think Plato would want to censor Hesiod because Hesiod has alot of strong opinions about the Gods and Goddesses. They somehow can influence others that this version of their story is correct, or this is what they must believe. I also think that Hesiod has alot of violence that wouldn't be a good influence on society.
Then read pp. 67-76 (Section I. Secondary or Literary Education)
Short Answers – Text based questions. Answer both questions
Q1. What are Homer and Hesiod guilty of?
A1. They both are guilty of misrepresenting the gods. By this, I mean they made up stories and poems, misinterpreting the gods, the true purpose of the Gods.
Q2.What are the two main characteristics of “god” and what are the laws/principles of story telling based on those characteristics?
A2. The two main characteristics of God, are good and perfect. God is the cause of good, and is incapable of causing evil. The cause of evil has no explanation, no responsibility, no factors of what may cause evil, if only we caused it ourselves. God is also perfect, he cannot change himself for he is already perfect, the only need to change is if there was any situation that went wrong, God is also incapable of causing harm or any evil upon us.

The two principles that is proposed in the text is 1) God is good, and cannot cause harm nor evil. A person who is punished is not God's fault, but their own. That person needs to learn that they made a mistake, and they can also benefit from it, because being punished means what they had done was wrong. 2) God, nor any immortal God or Goddess can transform themselves into any way shape or form as they wish.

Q. Compare what you wrote in your personal reflection above (#1) with what Plato wrote. How close were you to what Plato wrote?

A. I think I was pretty close, my first thoughts were that Hesiod had alot of strong opinions about the Gods, and that what he has written doesn't seem all that true. But what Plato wrote was that Hesiod has misinterpreted the Gods.

3/22 Prep for Seminar

Q. Do you think that someone who is enlightened (has seen the "light of knowledge") will be better or worse as a law maker than someone still in the cave, though many of their subjects are in the cave as well? Remember that a man who has seen the light can't see in the darkness of the cave and a man in the cave is blinded by the light.

A. I'm not very sure which one would make the better law maker, because both of these have their negative and positive issues. Someone who is enlightened will know more about the issues going on in their society, and they will also know what's the appropriate decisions for their society. But sometimes when you know too much, you can go greedy with power, and knowing that you have power, you can become self-centered, and make decisions that's in your own interest, but not always benefit your society. Someone who has not yet seen the light won't always make the decision that would be in their own interest, or what could benefit themselves, but their society as well. But on the negative side, they won't always know what's going on in their society, so that can cause them to make the inappropriate decision. If they lived in a cave their whole life, their customs, and what they think is right and what is wrong has been based on the personal thoughts and opinions of another peoson with a higher power in the cave, that made the laws. So a person who has never seen the light, what they think is what is right or wrong, they have just been following someone and I don't think that could be best in the outside world, where there is knowledge, because they have not yet been exposed to a world that they never even knew existed.

3/21 The Republic Assignment

Q. In your opinion, how can acting “right” (i.e. justly) help or harm the achievement of happiness? In your answer you need to first establish, in true Socratic fashion, what you mean by "right" (justice) and what you mean by happiness. What do you think Socrates would say about what you wrote and/or what do you think Thrasymachus would say?

A. I think it all depends on your personal thoughts on what is "right" or what is "wrong." When you believe what you're doing is right, then that makes you feel good, and that creates happiness. For example, for me, when I do good on a test I feel good about myself, and that makes me really happy. So it all depends on what you think. When you know you're doing wrong, it's just the exact opposite of what's right, you don't believe in yourself, and you don't feel good about yourself, which makes you gloomy, guilty, and you know you did wrong. I think Socrates would not agree with me, he would most likely question me, for example "Don't you think what's right for you, would not be right for another?" I think Thrasymachus would just give his own opinion, for example "You could only believe what's right for you, if you have the stronger power."

3/20 The Republic Assignment

Q. Notice that our reading on Thrasymachus is divided into two parts. The first part is entitled – “First Statement and Criticisms”. In this first part, what are Socrates’ main argument(s) against the idea that justice is whatever the strong (i.e. the government) says it is?
A. He mostly says that leaders are making the decisions that benefit mostly themselves, and for what's in their best interest, which is the law, and anything else that doesn't fit in with his decisions is against the law. But then I also read that if a leader makes an order, and it hurts them, then that would be against the law. I'm really confused.
Q. In the second part – “Second Statement and Final Refutation” – what are Thrasymahcus’ two main points and what are Socrates’ two main points in response?
A. I'm not very sure, but I think Thrasymachus' two main points are justice is for interest of the stronger people, and injustice is for for your own interest. I also think Socrates two main points are noone wants to be controlled by another, noone wants authority from another, and wise men would rather have other men do their work, rather them having to do it themselves.
Q. In your opinion, is it ever right to harm somebody? Why or why not? What would Socrates and/or Thrasymachus say in response to your answer?
A. It is never right to harm another, because you're not only effecting that person, but you're also effecting yourself. If you hurt someone, you could have regret over what you have caused, because that person could backfire on you, and even hurt you as well, sort of like revenge. You also wouldn't make a big impact on that person if you hurt them physically, because you're only hurting them on the outside, when you hurt them mentally, then you're effecting them, causing an emotional state. I think Socrates would most likely agree with this, but would not exactly agree with fighting mentally, or with words. I think Socrates would say something like, you could cause this, but you could also force other men to take the consequences.

3/17 The Republic Assignment

Read The Republic Part I Section 2. “The Conventional View of Justice Developed” pp. 8-15
Answer question(s) from one or more of the sections that follow. You have to answer all the questions in each section, but you only have to answer one section. Don’t forget to cut/paste them into your blog and to print them out and keep them in your binder for easy access later.

Section 1
Short responses 2-5 sentences
Q. In your opinion, is Polemarchus definition of justice, derived from the poet Simonedes, an improvement from his father’s definition?
A. I don't really think Polemarchus' definition of justice is an improvement from his father's definition, because I actually think Cephalus' definition was much better. Cephalus thinks that justice is paying your debts and just telling the truth, but Polemarchus' view is getting back at your enemies.
Q. What is Simonides definition of justice? Has Polemarchus interpreted him correctly?
A. Simonides' definition of justice is that everyone has their own dues. Polemarchus interprets it as helping your friends, and hurting your enemies.
Q.What problem does Socrates see in the phrase, “helping one’s friends and harming ones enemies”? Why is this not an accurate definition of justice?
A. I think what this means is that you can't always be right, you only base your decisions on your likes or dislikes. I don't think this is an accurate definition of justice because a friend might not be good, and an enemy might not be bad. I think it all depends on your personal thoughts and your personal decisions.

Q. What lesson do you think Socrates/Plato is trying to prove by having Polemarchus give in to Socrates when his father (Cephalus) would not?
A. I'm not very sure if there is a lesson trying to be given, I'm a little confused at this point.
Q. Whose argument do you find more convincing, Polemarchus or Socrates? Why? (This should be a longer response, short paragraph, about 5 sentences).
A. I don't think there's an argument at this point, because all I'm reading is that Socrates is just trying to bring Polemarchus down by proving that's wrong, and he's not giving an argument.

3/17 Personal Reflection

Q. “Personal Reflection 3/16” – Since Socratic philosophy is largely about definitions, lets start with some of our own. In one paragraph (or more) define what a friend is and how you should act towards a friend? Instead of that, you can write a paragraph (or more) that defines what an enemy is and how you should act towards an enemy. Of course you can also write about both if you like. These are topics that you will read about in the assignment below.

A. My definition of a true friend is someone who you can really trust and rely on. Someone who will always be there for you when you really need them and someone who has your back no matter what happens. A friend is also someone who you just enjoy their company, someone who you feel comfortable with, someone who you feel safe with. You should act the same way a friend acts towards you. You kind of have to return the favor. If they're going to be there for you, and have your back always, then you should do the same.

3/16 Republic Assignment

Q. Who are Cephalus and Polemarchus?
A. Cephalus is Polemarchus' father. They are both residents in "Piraeus".

Q.What is the profession of Cephalus?
A. Cephalus is a business man.

Q.What was Cephalus doing right before the discussion that took place?
A. Cephalus was sacrificing in the courtyard.

Q. According to Cephalus, what are the virtues of old age?
A. When you become older you have a better outlook on life, you become alot wiser. Being old is the same as youth, but sometimes even better.

Q. What are Cephalus’ view of justice?
A. I don't really think Cephalus has any views on justice.

Q.What is Socrates response?
A. Socrates believes that not everyone can agree with Cephalus. He says "I'm afraid that most people don't agree with what you say, Cephalus, but think that you carry your years lightly not because of your character, but because of your wealth. For they say that the rich have many consolations." Later in the text, he mentions that Cephalus is a business man and has inherited and made a good amount of money, but Socrates says that he doesn't seem to be over-fond with it. I think what Socrates it trying to say is that when you have inherited or made a great amount of money, you seem to be really proud of it, and kind of want to show it off, but Cephalus doesn't seem to be like that.

Q. Write a one paragraph response to the following question:
Do you agree with Cephaus or with Socrates? Why? If you don't agree with either of them, write about which one you think makes the stronger arguement - even if you think it is not "right" - and why?
A. I think I have to agree with Cephalus because when you do get older, you have alot more experience throughout the years. You have a better outlook on life, and you have learned from your previous mistakes, and learned how to benefit from them. As for him inheriting and making his own money, I think it's great that he's not too over obsessed with it. I agree, because if you make the money that you made the biggest most important thing in life, what else would you have?

Q. Try to give this a shot, if you can’t answer it that’s okay: What do you think Cephaus represents? What is particular or unique about his view of justice compared to the others you have discussed in class?

A. I think Cephalus is someone who is comfortable in his own skin. He's not afraid to tell his opinions, and what he has to say. I think he represents someone who believes in justice, I'm not quite sure what exactly the true definition of justice is, but it seems like he has a good opinions about himself and what he believes in.

3/15 Simile of the Cave Reading

Answer ALL of these questions with short answers (3 - 5 sentences).

Q. Socrates asks Glaucon to suppose that one of the prisoners is freed and leaves the cave (p. 242 section 515d). What happens to the prisoner when he gets outside? Why does this happen to the prisoner?

A. The prisoner is blinded by the sun's rays. This happens because throughtout the prisoner's whole life, he's lived in a cave. The only light that he's ever seen in his life, was behind a curtain where a fire was lit while they were doing shadow puppets. Therefore, when the prisoner first gets outside, the sun's rays were so strong, it blinded him.

Q. Socrates states that the prisoners would try to kill anyone who tries to liberate them and lead them out of the cave (pp. 243 – 244 section 517a). Why would the prisoners kill someone who is trying to lead them outside?
A. I think the prisoner was kind of intimidaded. I don't think the prisoner has made any human contact throughout his whole life. I also think that he didn't know the person very well, who would trust a stranger?

Q. While reading pages 243-244 (section 517) keep in mind that the cave represents the way society actually is, while the sun (visible outside the cave) represents knowledge that could make for a better society. Don’t let the wording confuse you, Socrates sometimes calls the outside “the intelligible region” and associates it with “the divine.”
What is special about “the intelligible region” and why is it important for public servants/political leaders (p. 244 section 517 b and e) ?
A. The "intelligible region" is special because it's basically the world that we live in today. It's where people can have a say in what they believe in, people have a mind of their own. It is important for the public servants and the political leaders because they need to know what's going on in their society, in order for them to make the appropriate decision for what's best for their society.

Q. What is wrong with having uneducated people run society? What is wrong with having intellectuals (i.e. well-educated people) run society (p. 323 section 519c)?
A. It is wrong for uneducated people to run society because they don't always understand what's was going on. If they run their society, they could end up destroying it by one little wrong decision they make. But it is also wrong for intellectuals to run society because they can't always be the perfect leader. Just because they may have the brains of a good leader, doesn't mean that they can make all the right decisions.

Q. On pp. 323 – 324 (section 519 section d – section 520) Socrates tells Glaucon what the “job” of a lawmaker is. What is the job of a lawmaker and how is a lawmaker supposed to influence the best minds?

A. Based on Glaucon's description of what a lawmaker is, I think a lawmaker must encourage their people to be the best they can be. But it's also confusing, because then he says after they have achieved this, they must also prevent them from what they have been encouraged by.

Personal Reflection

Q. Recall a time that you heard a statement of “fact” that was later found to be untrue. It can be from a parent, a teacher, a friend, a government official, a book, or a film. How did you find out it was untrue and how did it make you feel? Did it change your outlook on anything?

A. I think there was a time the beginning of 6th grade, when my friend and I started taking voice classes. I knew I didn't have much of a voice, but I was willing to learn, and to get better at it. Every Saturday we would go to our voice classes, and we got to perform a song, and out voice instructor would give critiques on what to improve on. I chose a song, but I can't quite remember now. My voice instructor said it was really really good, and the song went really nice with my voice. So I was thinking, I guess I don't have such a bad voice after all. After a couple weeks of voice classes, I was feeling pretty confident in myself, so I decided to put my voice to the test. At my middle school, we were having a talent competition, singing, dancing, anything we were good at. My friend and I decided to do a duet. So for tryouts, we actually did pretty good, and we got in. Sadly, this girl that I really disliked was going to sing as well, but I didn't really care. The day of the talent competition, we all sat along the stage, waiting for out turn to show off what we've got. It was finally our turn. The song started, and we both sang. Every applauded, and I thought the show went alright. After we had performed, we were all backstage, waiting for the results. I overheard the girl that I dislike, say that I had a really bad voice, and I sounded really weird when I sang. Her friend started saying the same thing. I was crushed, but hearing that from someone who I really didn't like, didn't matter as much. When the results were in, my friend and I came in 6th place. I guess I don't have much of a voice after all. I still continued to take voice classes, but about a year after, I decided to take a break off it, and start something different, guitar.

The Iliad Book 16 3/2 Assignment

Q. Summarize the main parts

>Patroclus doesn't listen to Achilles and decides to go to war with Troy

>Apollo wanrs Patroclus to back off and go back home

>Hector gets on his chariot and wants Patroclus to be his next target

>Patroclus sees men crowding over the chariot driver, Cebriones' body

>Apollo slammed Patroclus and his helmet fell off

>When Patroclus tried heading back to the Achean's rank, Hector was there, and he stabbed a spear right though Patroclus

>Patroclus tells Hector that his own death will near, Achilles will return

>Patroclus dies

Q. Ask Questions

>What would be Achilles' reaction that Patroclus went behind his back to go to Troy?

>What would be Achilles' reaction that Patroclus is dead?

>Would Achilles want to return to war for revenge for the death of his friend?

3/2 Personal Reflection

Q. Write about a time that your pride had negative consequences (or related to that, your inablity to forgive). You can also write about someone else or write about pride in another book.

A. Last year in 8th grade, my friends and I had a school field trip to Belmont Park. We hung out at the beach, and went on a few rides, and then we went to the arcade to play some games. My friend and I were getting pretty good at a shooting hoops booth. My friend decided to quit, so it was up to me. I was doing pretty good, so I decided to try my luck and keep going till I was able to win a couple more tickets for this big green bear. When I shot the ball, I actually missed, and I lost the game so I ended up not getting the bear. Which made me pretty angry because I was stuck with this small ugly brown monkey.