Midterm I

Review sheet

I. (50 pts.). Possible questions:

(1) Can you be mistaken about whether you are happy or not?

(2) Is death a bad thing if it is the complete end of consciousness?

You must formulate a position on the question. Then do each of the following.

1. State your position and the crucial assumption it is based on. (No more than two sentences)

2. State the assumption that the opposing position would make. (No more than two sentences)

3. State the most powerful argument for your position you can think of. (This argument cannot beg the question) (No more than four sentences)

4. Give the best objection to this argument you can think of. (No more than three sentences.)

5. Respond to this objection (No more than two sentences.)

II. (75) Short answer. You may be asked to summarize these things.

An account of the two problems that Plato and Aristotle tried to solve with their theories and how each one solved them.

The properties of the Forms according to Plato.

The Cave metaphor.

Aristotle's account of form and matter.

A.'s explanation of change and permanence, including his account of essential form.

A's solution to the problem of happiness and his account of immortality and God.

Your critical evaluation should take into account the arguments from class.

III. Critical Evaluation Essay (75)

Critically evaluate Plato's and Aristotle's views on ONE of these two questions.
(A) Do any of the things in this world Have any real value or provide real happiness?

(B) Are the objects we perceive with the senses real.

(Note that they agree on happiness (A) but disagree on reality (B))

Explain the crucial issue(s), say who you agree with, and defend that view with arguments against the objections of the opposing side.