Midterm Exam in Political Science 661: Study Guide

1. Identify the first major definitions of justice Socrates encounters in the first and second books of the Republic. How does Socrates respond to each of these definitions? Through his responses to these various definitions, what is Socrates trying to say about justice, and how does the building of the “city in speech” help to complete Socrates’ own definition of justice?

2. By building the city, what teaching is Socrates trying to convey at the level of 1) the city, and 2) the soul?

3. Describe Socrates’s teaching on women in the guardian and ruling class. Why should they be there, and what purpose do they serve in Plato’s overall political thought?

4. Why is the Platonic philosopher usually not in a position of political leadership? Be able to use the “cave” and “ship of state” parables to answer this question.

5. Provide evidence from The Republic that Socrates understood the difference between what was ideal in theory and what was possible in practice. Given this evidence what do you think was the purpose of Socrates’ ideal city in speech?

6. Discuss the difference between Plato and Aristotle on the role of women and the benefits of communism.

7. What does Aristotle mean by “man is a political animal?” Explain Aristotle’s statement that the best regime is where the good man and the good citizen are the same.

8. What does Aristotle consider natural and best for the individual, the family and the community?

9. Describe Aristotle’s best regime, or “polity.” What problems is it designed to remedy?
Why is the rule of one wise man not Aristotle’s recommendation for the state?

10. Why does Aristotle give advice to help keep tyrants in power?