Welcome to another week of philosophy! Our video on Socrates, Plato and Aristotle is now uploaded and educating the masses of YouTube. Nice work, everyone!
This week, we will learn about the Hellenistic philosophers that came after Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. In our studies, we will focus on the schools of Cynicism, Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Skepticism.
Please note this week's assignment schedule:
Monday 9/22 - Read and take notes on Sophie's World p. 120-137 before class begins on Tuesday.
Tuesday 9/24 - Prepare for your presentation one of the schools of Hellenistic philosophy. Presentations will be delivered in class on Wednesday.
Thursday 9/25 - In class, you will listen to a podcast on the Cynics ("Beware of the Philosopher: The Cynics"). After listening to this podcast, please answer the following questions before class begins on Friday:
1. What type of lifestyle did the Cynics advocate?
2. What was the Cynics’ highest aim?
3. Do you think the Cynics were “disturbed” as others claimed? Explain.
4. How did Plato refer to Diogenes of Sinope? How did Aristotle refer to Diogenes?
5. Why should the Cynics be seen as a post-Socratic movement?
6. What did Antisthenes do to his writings upon encountering Socrates?
7. “It is better to be insane than to feel pleasure” Explain the significance of this statement.
8. Why did Diogenes state to the Assembly that, “Donkeys should be declared as horses?”
9. According to a tale, Alexander the Great said if he were not Alexander, he would be ? .” What does this tell us about Diogenes?
10. According to tales, what was Diogenes of Sinope accused of doing to coins? What did this action symbolic of?
11. What provoked Diogenes’ disdain for his fellow Greeks? Provide examples.
12. Why didn’t Antisthenes and Diogenes die of starvation? What did they due to acquire money?
13. Were the Cynics atheists? Explain.
14. According to the Cynics, is society “natural?”
15. What is the paradox between natural urges and pleasure that the Cynics often exhibited? Explain why this notion is in fact paradoxical.
16. Were the Cynics against all forms of pleasure? Explain.
17. According to the Cynics, how can philosophy make you rich without possessing any money?
18. How does Cynicism offer the prospect of self-sufficiency?
19. Crates stated, “Philosophy is a quart of beans and to care for nothing.” What is the significance of this quotation as it relates to Cynic philosophers?
20. Do you think the Cynics were hypocrites? Explain why or why not.
21. To what extent do you agree with the Cynics? Explain.
22. To what extent do you disagree with the Cynics? Explain.
This week, we will learn about the Hellenistic philosophers that came after Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. In our studies, we will focus on the schools of Cynicism, Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Skepticism.
Please note this week's assignment schedule:
Monday 9/22 - Read and take notes on Sophie's World p. 120-137 before class begins on Tuesday.
Tuesday 9/24 - Prepare for your presentation one of the schools of Hellenistic philosophy. Presentations will be delivered in class on Wednesday.
Thursday 9/25 - In class, you will listen to a podcast on the Cynics ("Beware of the Philosopher: The Cynics"). After listening to this podcast, please answer the following questions before class begins on Friday:
1. What type of lifestyle did the Cynics advocate?
2. What was the Cynics’ highest aim?
3. Do you think the Cynics were “disturbed” as others claimed? Explain.
4. How did Plato refer to Diogenes of Sinope? How did Aristotle refer to Diogenes?
5. Why should the Cynics be seen as a post-Socratic movement?
6. What did Antisthenes do to his writings upon encountering Socrates?
7. “It is better to be insane than to feel pleasure” Explain the significance of this statement.
8. Why did Diogenes state to the Assembly that, “Donkeys should be declared as horses?”
9. According to a tale, Alexander the Great said if he were not Alexander, he would be ? .” What does this tell us about Diogenes?
10. According to tales, what was Diogenes of Sinope accused of doing to coins? What did this action symbolic of?
11. What provoked Diogenes’ disdain for his fellow Greeks? Provide examples.
12. Why didn’t Antisthenes and Diogenes die of starvation? What did they due to acquire money?
13. Were the Cynics atheists? Explain.
14. According to the Cynics, is society “natural?”
15. What is the paradox between natural urges and pleasure that the Cynics often exhibited? Explain why this notion is in fact paradoxical.
16. Were the Cynics against all forms of pleasure? Explain.
17. According to the Cynics, how can philosophy make you rich without possessing any money?
18. How does Cynicism offer the prospect of self-sufficiency?
19. Crates stated, “Philosophy is a quart of beans and to care for nothing.” What is the significance of this quotation as it relates to Cynic philosophers?
20. Do you think the Cynics were hypocrites? Explain why or why not.
21. To what extent do you agree with the Cynics? Explain.
22. To what extent do you disagree with the Cynics? Explain.