Philosophical Concepts in Plato and Descartes

In Plato's Republic, who does Socrates argue should lead society?

• Philosopher-teachers

• Poets and artists

• Wealthy landowners

• Those of noble blood

In "Allegory of the Cave", what does Socrates imply about the prisoners' reaction to the truth?

• They will embrace it

• They will be indifferent

• They will resist it

• They will be confused.

What does Socrates say about the administration of public affairs by rulers who are poor and hungering after their own private advantage?

• It leads to a well-ordered State

• It leads to corruption

• It leads to prosperity

• It leads to justice.

What did Gyges do after realizing the power of the ring?

• He returned it to the king

• He used it to become invisible and take over the kingdom

• He destroyed it

• He sold it.

The Ring of Gyges is a thought experiment that questions __________________.

• Whether people are naturally good

• How we should rule a kingdom or other state

• The nature of beauty

• Confusions that exist among different human tribes

Descartes compares doubting one's own body to the beliefs of whom?

• Philosophers

• Scientists

• Brain-damaged madmen

• Artists

Fill in the blank: The author uses the example of ______ to illustrate the deception of senses.

• a dream

• a madman

• a pumpkin

• a king

What is the main theme of Descartes' text?

• Scientific discovery

• Philosophical skepticism

• Religious belief

• Mathematical certainty

In his Mediations, what does Descartes, intend to do until he has something to counter-balance old opinions?

• Accept them

• Pretend they are false

• Ignore them

• Embrace them

Which of the following does Descartes believe is NOT subject to skepticism and questioning in his meditations because it relies on more simple and demonstrable laws?

• geometry

• physics

• medicine

• astronomy