~ The Final Questions ~

Yes, you may pre-write your essay(s), but DO NOT email them to me unless you have cleared that with me!

PART ONE: 

Discuss at least two of the following questions, using Book I of Plato’s “Republic” as your starting point.  You may include any other material you deem useful.  Show that you are thinking about the material we have covered!  Be sure to give at least a brief assessment of what you have gained by studying Plato’s views. (This does not assume you always agree, just that you are open to learning from the questions he raises.)

·         Is there some kind of harm a just person would never inflict on another person?  If so, explain what kind of harm, and why not.  If not, explain when various kinds of harm would be justified.

·         To what extent and in what way(s) is a human being's happiness a matter of character, and to what extent a matter of being well-off materially?

·         When and why is it ever justified to defy conventional morality, such as keeping promises and telling the truth?

·         In what way does Socrates say the unjust person resembles the charlatan, while the just man resembles the craftsman?

PART TWO:

 Answer this question to the best of your ability, drawing on any material from the course.

·         Russell said, “The good life is the life guided by reason and inspired by love.” 
Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” 
In light of these thoughts, is philosophy useless or dangerous? Why or why not?