Paper #1 What does it mean to be moral? This is the question that Plato has tried to answer in the passages from his famous work the Republic. He has attempted to explain how humans can define and live morally‚ a task that is truly complicated and uncertain. It is important to identify morality because it plays a crucial role in formulating ethical theories. As Socrates states‚ "we are discussing no small matter‚ but how we ought to live." In his writings he has describes two contrasting
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In terms of justice‚ Plato uses political communities and the individual of one’s self and family as to what he thinks justice is. In the Republic Plato states that “ no two people are born exactly alike”. Plato was right about this quote‚ but he uses this quote in general to get to the bottom of what it means to be just or unjust in life for the individual and even the state. Socrates through his conversation with Adeimantus gives information about what Plato thinks justice is‚ he uses political
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Imitative Art A Comparison of the Philosophies of Plato & Aristotle And the Ultimate Beneficial Nature of the Tragic Drama By: Stephanie Cimino In the various discussions of imitative art there has been a notable disagreement between two distinguished philosophers; Plato and Aristotle. Although it was Plato who first discussed the concept of imitative art‚ it is my belief that Aristotle was justified in his praise and admiration of imitative art‚ specifically‚ the tragic drama
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In The Republic‚ Plato plays around with the argument that it is better to be just than unjust. His vessel for showing this is through the forming of an “ideal” city. In this hypothetical city he creates a censored educational system and abolishes the “typical” family structure in hopes that the society would be just. Taking in the context and the time period‚ Socrates’ ideas were radical but plausible‚ if executed correctly. Through that execution‚ though‚ I am not completely convinced that human
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Plato’s Apology is a narrative of the famous speech of Socrates that is made during his trial. Instead of apologizing‚ Socrates attempts to defend himself and his actions. He is put on trial due to his accusations of corrupting Athens‚ not acknowledging the same gods as the state‚ and creating new gods. During his dialogue‚ Socrates remains very calm and speaks with honesty. He focuses on what is said rather than his manner of speech. When he is first presented in from of the jury‚ Socrates asks
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Thucydides vs Plato Thucydides and Plato had contrasting ways in their approach on the good life. Thucydides displays empirical thinking in his studies of human nature and behavior during the Peloponnesian War and Plato displays normative thinking in his books and dialogs in particular "The Republic" Plato views a good life on the ideals that a person has reached happiness. When a person is in a state where they have no desires because they have all love in their life. He believed this
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A Critique of “What will the left look like after Obama?” by Stephen Marche In the past eight years America has seen immense changes‚ good and bad. Obama has legalized same sex marriage‚ lowered the unemployment rate‚ and began the end to the drug war. But is it all due to Obama‚ and what he has done over the last eight years? By Marche‚ calling president Obama‚ “[America’s] Biggest winner” Is he giving him too much credit? Is it something president Obama deserves‚ after fighting against a rigid
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Comparing the political theories of any two great philosophers is a complex task. Plato and Aristotle are two such philosophers who had ideas of how to improve existing societies during their individual lifetimes. While both Plato and Aristotle were great thinkers‚ perhaps it is necessary first to examine the ideas of each before showing how one has laid the groundwork and developed certain themes for the other. Plato is regarded by many experts as the first writer of political philosophy. He fashioned
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Of the many disparities between Plato and Machiavelli‚ the distinction of virtue versus virtu sticks out like a sore thumb. Virtue was the political bases for Plato: All men should behave virtuously at all times. Whereas Machiavelli believed virtu was the basis for political prowess. What was best for the state as a whole was the main concern‚ and the ends always justified the means. Plato’s object was the creation of a utopian society--a civilization that abhorred war and centered itself upon
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thinking has transcended from Plato’s time to today. Thus‚ the allegory is relevant to contemporary essential life. Organizations are known for fostering a culture of group thinking. The danger inherent in group thinking is the object lesson that Plato tries to convey. When we refuse to engage in critical thinking‚ we are forced into a false sense of security‚ and create our own prison. The Allegory of the Cave is particularly relevant to corporate culture‚ and the blind obedience that is encouraged
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