Terms: argument, premise, evidence, conclusion, fallacy, standard form, indicator words, deductively valid argument, invalid argument, inductive argument, abductive argument,  form of an argument.

Logic & Critical Thinking:

1) You should be prepared to analyze an argument in standard form.

2) You should be prepared to explain what is involved in analysis and evaluation of arguments.

3) In class, we discussed several simple valid argument forms (modus ponens and modus tollens) and two formal fallacies (affirming the consequent and denying the antecedent).  You should be able to explain each of these, and to show that the fallacies are invalid, by providing a counterexample.

4) Explain why showing that an argument is invalid is not the same as showing that the argument is a bad argument.

Plato:

1) Explain the "Myth of the Cave" in Republic VII. Explain the relationship between this myth and Plato's theory of ideas.
2) Explain Plato's "Parable of the Line," including a diagram. Show how this parable relates to Plato's theory of ideas.
3) Why, according to Plato, is it a mistake to introduce dialectic to students who are too young?
4) Very briefly, explain how Parmenides and Heraclitus influenced Plato's thought.
5) Different people have different ways of looking at the world. Are all perspectives equally valid? Explain Plato's answer.
6) Explain Socrates objection to Cephalus' claim the Justice is simply telling the truth and paying your debts.
7) What is Polemarchus' proposed analysis of 'Justice?' Explain one of Socrates objections to this analysis, and evaluate the argument. Is Socrates objection decisive?
8) Briefly explain Thrasymachus's account of justice in Republic I.
9) Explain Socrates argument that Justice can never harm anyone, not even one's enemies. Briefly evaluate the argument.
10) What is the point of the "lyre example" Socrates offers Thrasymachus at 349d-e in The Republic? Which of Thrasymachus' claims is the example intended to refute?
11) Explain "The Function Argment," which appears at 351a-352c in the text. How is this argument related to Plato's tripartite theory of the soul?
12) Explain Glaucon's distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic goods. How is this distinction reflected in the three-part challenge Glaucon presents to Socrates in Republic II?
13) What is the point Glaucon intends to make with the story of the Ring of Gyges?
14) Explain the "Socratic Paradox" and Plato's reasons for believing it.

Aristotle:
1) What does 'teleological' mean, and in what sense is Aristotle's ethical theory teleological?
2) Explain Aristotle's criticism of Plato's theory of ideas, and his examination of "The Idea of the Good" in particular. (Hint: NE Book I chapter 6)
3) Explain the structure of an Aristotelian 'Virtue.'
4) Briefly compare Aristotle's understanding of the relationship between virtue and happiness with Plato's understanding of that relationship.
5) Explain Aristotle's argument for the claim that there must be a "master good," and explain some of the properties of Aristotle's master good.
6) Explain Aristotle's conception of the human soul- how is this conception connected with the claim that the life of reason is the best life for a human being?

Epictetus and Epicurus:
1) Explain Epicurus's argument for the claim that pleasure is the highest good. How would Aristotle respond to this argument? Your answer should explain both the similarities and differences between their views.
2) What are the three categories of pleasures that Epicurus distinguishes, and what are his recommendations regarding them?
3) What is the status, in Epicurus's theory, of honor and justice?
4) Explain Epicurus's argument against the fear of death. Compare Epicurus's discussion of death to that of Epictetus, noting similarities and differences.
5) Explain Epictetus's attitude toward "desire and aversion," and his instructions for training and rationalizing our desires.
6) What is "up to us," according to Epictetus, and why does it matter?
7) How, according to Epictetus, can we guard ourselves against misfortune, and make ourselves effectively invincible? Be sure to explain this in terms of other features of Epictetus's theory.
8) Explain Epictetus's attitude toward death. Would Epictetus regard Epicurus as having the wrong attitude toward death?
9) How would Aristotle regard Epictetus's view of the human good? Explain the most central differences betwenen them?