- What did Protagoras mean by his statement that "man is the measure of all things?"
- What did Socrates consider the main cause of evil? Why does the text claim this is un-Christian?
- Plato is considered an "idealist" because of his theory of ideas. Outline this theory. How does this theory relate to the way you might use the word "idealist?"
- How did Aristotle's work on logic relate to language? How would you label Aristotle's politics: democratic, authoritarian, sexist, egalitarian...? Why?
- What is scepticism?
- How is the modern meaning of Epicureanism different from the original philosophy? Can you give one example each of a modern Epicure in both senses of the word?
Mini-project: Investigate further one of the philosophers from the reading. Discuss his major contributions to philosophy and influence on those who came after him, especially in modern thought. This should be between one and two pages of text and will be marked according to the level of research undertaken, the presentation and the level of understanding shown.
Rubric:
For research, you will receive one mark for each source used (including the reading) up to a maximum of four marks.
For presentation, you will receive two marks if you have few if any grammatical or spelling errors and your write-up is engaging and clear. One and a half marks will be awarded if there are some errors in spelling or grammar that interfere with the clarity of the piece but it is otherwise clear. One mark will be awarded for if there are significant errors and the piece is difficult to read and understand.
For understanding, you will receive four marks if you display strong understanding of your philosopher's ideas and his contributions. You will receive three marks if you miss a major idea or show little understanding of it. You will receive two marks if you miss or misunderstand significant parts of his work. You will receive one mark if you simply wander about and show no understanding.