William Jamison - Instructor

Ancient and Medieval Philosophy

(Used to be called History of Philosophy I)

Phil 211

Test 1

Directions: Answer any three of the questions below in three essays. Essays may be as long as you feel necessary, but must be at least 300 words each, and should demonstrate an understanding of the main point of the question and it's relevance for us today. Avoid plagiarism! They should be e-mailed to: wsjamison@ALASKA.EDU.

1. Describe why tradition considers the beginnings of philosophy to be significantly different than earlier ways of thinking.

2. Contrast the various pre-Socratic conceptions of the arche with modern physics - our current standard model.

3. In what ways do the Platonic Dialogs appear to change from the early period to the middle period and the later period?

4. Which is your favorite Platonic Dialog and why?

5. Describe Aristotle's critique of those who believe in the Ideas.

6. Describe how Aristotle's conception of the Good differs from that of Plato's.