Philosophy 111 Suggested Guideposts for a Short Essay on Plato The following are suggested guideposts meant to help you organize your thinking and identify important concepts that need to be explained. To earn an A, you must include (integrate and explain) essential excerpts from the relevant text. I. According to Plato, what is the nature of reality? – Visible and the invisible – What is the nature of each? II. How does (Platos) Socrates use the Theory of the Forms or Ideals to explain the nature of the human soul and Truth? – Invisible are connected with our minds – Perfect ideals = Forms – Eternal ideals and eternal soul – wisdom III. Transition we must care for our souls! What are the key aspects of a human being? – Rational part – Irrational desires – Spirited part What is the ideal relationship between these parts? – Reason and the chariot! IV. What constitutes the ideal human life? The goal is becoming a just human being this can only be achieved through reason! – Discipline and virtue through reason – Achieved by knowing the Forms V. What is the significance of Platos work for you? Or, provide a substantive challenge to any of his claimed premises or arguments.
