The Republic (Plato), Introduction -- Book 2
This quiz is for my personal use, compiled (verbatim) from questions from tests in my philosophy class. Y'all are free to take it, but be warned, my teacher makes mistakes.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
According to Cephalus, what desire increases when age blunts one's enjoyment of physical pleasures?
- A.
The desire to be among friends.
- B.
The desire for rational conversation.
- C.
The desire to instruct younger men and women.
- D.
The desire to give in to one's "mad masters."
Correct Answer
B. The desire for rational conversation.Explanation
As one grows older and physical pleasures become less enjoyable, the desire for rational conversation increases according to Cephalus. This suggests that as people age, they seek more meaningful and intellectual interactions rather than focusing solely on physical gratification.Rate this question:
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- 2.
According to Cephalus, what is to blame for the "woes" of old men?
- A.
Character.
- B.
Deprivation.
- C.
Lack of respect.
- D.
Physical weakness.
Correct Answer
A. Character.Explanation
Cephalus believes that the "woes" of old men are caused by their character. This implies that the challenges and difficulties faced by old men are a result of their own personal traits, behavior, and choices. It suggests that their character flaws or shortcomings contribute to their hardships and struggles in old age, rather than external factors such as deprivation, lack of respect, or physical weakness.Rate this question:
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- 3.
According to Cephalus, what happens to a man who has done wrong when he is near death?
- A.
He thinks about punishment in a future life for wrongs done in this life.
- B.
He is filled with doubts and fears.
- C.
He often wakes up at night in terror.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
Cephalus believes that a man who has done wrong when he is near death experiences all of the mentioned consequences. He thinks about the punishment he may face in a future life for the wrongs he has committed in this life. Additionally, he is filled with doubts and fears, possibly reflecting on the consequences of his actions. This fear and guilt may cause him to often wake up at night in terror. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."Rate this question:
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- 4.
After Polemarchus takes over for Cephalus and continues the argument with Socrates, what does he claim constitues justice?
- A.
Giving everyman his due
- B.
Giving only sane men their due.
- C.
Giving men their due but excluding women.
- D.
Both A and C.
Correct Answer
A. Giving everyman his dueExplanation
Polemarchus claims that justice constitutes giving everyman his due. This means that justice involves treating each individual fairly and giving them what they deserve.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What flaw does Socrates expose in Thrasymachus' argument concerning justice?
- A.
Laws are made by infallible leaders and are always right.
- B.
Rulers enact laws which benefit all men.
- C.
Some rules make mistakes about their own best interests.
- D.
Some rulers work with others to correct flawed laws.
Correct Answer
C. Some rules make mistakes about their own best interests.Explanation
Socrates exposes a flaw in Thrasymachus' argument by pointing out that some rulers make mistakes about their own best interests. This suggests that rulers are not always infallible and that their laws may not always be right. This challenges Thrasymachus' belief that laws are always made by infallible leaders and are always right.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why does Socrates use the analogy of the ship's captain and his crew?
- A.
To illustrate Thrasymachus' idea of the strongest party always being right.
- B.
To illustrate that leaders must place the interests of their people before their own interests.
- C.
To show how a ruler exercises his authority in his interest.
- D.
To show that all laws and decisions benefit a small circle of people.
Correct Answer
B. To illustrate that leaders must place the interests of their people before their own interests.Explanation
Socrates uses the analogy of the ship's captain and his crew to illustrate that leaders must prioritize the interests of their people before their own interests. Just as a captain's main responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew, leaders should prioritize the welfare of their people and make decisions that benefit them rather than seeking personal gain or power. This analogy emphasizes the importance of selflessness and servant leadership in governance.Rate this question:
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- 7.
According to Thrasymachus, what is the extreme of injustice and wrongdoing?
- A.
Democracy
- B.
Tyranny
- C.
Anarchy
- D.
Oligarchy
Correct Answer
B. TyrannyExplanation
According to Thrasymachus, the extreme of injustice and wrongdoing is tyranny. Tyranny refers to a form of government where a single ruler exercises absolute power without any legal constraints or accountability. Thrasymachus believes that in a tyrannical system, the ruler is able to exploit and oppress others, acting solely in their own self-interest and disregarding the well-being and rights of the people. Thus, tyranny represents the pinnacle of injustice and wrongdoing according to Thrasymachus' perspective.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What frightens honest men into accepting power?
- A.
The penalty of being governed by someone worse than himself or herself.
- B.
The ridicule they will receive from peers.
- C.
The chance to make money.
- D.
The threat of punishment from the masses.
Correct Answer
A. The penalty of being governed by someone worse than himself or herself.Explanation
Honest men may be frightened into accepting power because they fear being governed by someone who is even worse than themselves. They understand that if they do not take on the responsibility, someone else may seize power and abuse it, leading to negative consequences for society as a whole. This fear of a potentially worse alternative motivates them to accept power, despite any reservations they may have.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What does Socrates mean by the "function" of a thing?
- A.
Something that a thing does best, or its "particular excellence."
- B.
The spectrum of things that a thing does.
- C.
How something performs.
- D.
Both the good and bad aspects of a thing.
Correct Answer
A. Something that a thing does best, or its "particular excellence."Explanation
Socrates means that the "function" of a thing refers to what it does best or its "particular excellence." In other words, it is the specific role or purpose that a thing is designed or intended for. This suggests that each thing has a unique function or characteristic that sets it apart and defines its value or worth.Rate this question:
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- 10.
According to Socrates, which of the following is NOT a conclusion of his argument with Thrasymachus?
- A.
The just man will have a good life, and the unjust a bad life.
- B.
The man who has a good life is prosperous, and his opposite the reverse.
- C.
Justice is an excellence that can make men happy.
- D.
It never pays to be miserable.
Correct Answer
C. Justice is an excellence that can make men happy.Explanation
In Socrates' argument with Thrasymachus, he does not conclude that justice is an excellence that can make men happy. Instead, Socrates argues that the just man will have a good life and the unjust a bad life. He also states that the man who has a good life is prosperous, and his opposite is the reverse. Lastly, Socrates does not directly mention that it never pays to be miserable. Therefore, the correct answer is "Justice is an excellence that can make men happy."Rate this question:
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- 11.
According to Glaucon, what motive will all men naturally follow if they are not forcibly restrained by laws?
- A.
Liberty.
- B.
Self-interest.
- C.
Justice.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
B. Self-interest.Explanation
According to Glaucon, if not restrained by laws, all men will naturally follow their self-interest. Glaucon argues that humans are inherently selfish and will pursue their own desires and interests without regard for others. He believes that it is only through the imposition of laws and social contracts that people are compelled to act justly and consider the well-being of others. Therefore, self-interest is the motive that Glaucon believes all men would follow in the absence of external constraints.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following does Glaucon NOT believe?
- A.
Man will always do wrong if given the chance.
- B.
No man is just of his own free will.
- C.
Injustice pays better than justice.
- D.
Men are compelled to be unjust.
Correct Answer
D. Men are compelled to be unjust.Explanation
Glaucon does not believe that men are compelled to be unjust. He argues that if given the chance, man will always do wrong and that no man is just of his own free will. Additionally, Glaucon believes that injustice pays better than justice. However, he does not believe that men are forced or compelled to be unjust.Rate this question:
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- 13.
How does Glaucon propose to judge which life--the life of injustice or the life of justice--is happier?
- A.
To examine men who are just and men who are unjust.
- B.
To push each life to its extreme.
- C.
To allow the guardians to decide.
- D.
Both B and C.
Correct Answer
B. To push each life to its extreme.Explanation
Glaucon proposes to judge which life, the life of injustice or the life of justice, is happier by pushing each life to its extreme. This means fully exploring the consequences and outcomes of living a completely unjust life and a completely just life. By pushing each life to its extreme, Glaucon aims to determine which life ultimately brings more happiness and fulfillment.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following does Adeimantus present as beliefs about right conduct in support of Glaucon?
- A.
Men do only right for what they can get out of it.
- B.
Men prefer to do wrong because it pays better.
- C.
Contemporary religious beliefs encourage wrongdoing.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
Adeimantus presents all of the above beliefs about right conduct in support of Glaucon. He argues that men do only right for what they can get out of it, that they prefer to do wrong because it pays better, and that contemporary religious beliefs encourage wrongdoing. These beliefs collectively support Glaucon's argument that people are inherently selfish and only act morally when it benefits them.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Cephalus claims that in old age a man is freed from youthful desires and exists in a state of peace.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In old age, a person tends to prioritize different things compared to their youth. They have already experienced many desires and often find themselves content with a simpler and more peaceful life. This can be attributed to a decrease in physical and hormonal factors that drive youthful desires. Therefore, it can be said that in old age, a man is freed from youthful desires and exists in a state of peace.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Those who have inherited money are twice as fond of it as those who have earned it.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that people who have inherited money are more attached to it compared to those who have earned it. However, the correct answer is false because the statement is making a generalization that may not be true for everyone. People's attitudes towards money can vary greatly, regardless of whether they inherited it or earned it themselves. Some individuals who have inherited money may value it less, while others who have earned it may be very attached to it. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that those who have inherited money are always twice as fond of it as those who have earned it.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The man who is near death who is conscious of no wrongdoing is filled with cheerfulness and hope.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that a person who is near death and has not done anything wrong is filled with cheerfulness and hope. This implies that the person has a clear conscience and does not carry any guilt or regrets, which allows them to face death with a positive outlook. Therefore, the statement is true as it portrays the mindset of a person in such a situation.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Cephalus believes that doing right consists simply and solely in truthfulness and returning anything one has borrowed.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Cephalus believes that the act of doing right is encompassed by two principles: truthfulness and returning borrowed items. This suggests that he values honesty and integrity, and considers these actions as the foundation of moral behavior. Therefore, the statement is true as it accurately represents Cephalus' belief system.Rate this question:
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- 19.
In his dialogue with Polemarchus, Socrates concludes that it is right and good to help one's friends and harm one's enemies.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
In his dialogue with Polemarchus, Socrates actually challenges the notion that it is right and good to help one's friends and harm one's enemies. He argues that it is not virtuous to harm others, even if they are considered enemies, as it goes against the principles of justice and morality. Socrates believes in the importance of treating everyone with fairness and kindness, regardless of their relationship to us. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 20.
When Thrasymachus enters into the argument concerning justice, Socrates says Justice is much more valuable than gold.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Socrates believes that justice is more valuable than gold. This suggests that he views justice as an intrinsic good that surpasses material wealth. By emphasizing the importance of justice, Socrates implies that it is a fundamental virtue that should be prioritized over material possessions. This aligns with his overall philosophy, which emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom and virtue as the ultimate goals of life. Therefore, the given answer, "True," accurately reflects Socrates' viewpoint on the value of justice.Rate this question:
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- 21.
When arguing with Thrasymachus about justice, Socrates claims he neither knows nor professes to know anything about the subject.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In this statement, Socrates asserts that he does not possess any knowledge or claim to have any knowledge about the subject of justice. This implies that Socrates is not confident in his understanding of justice and does not make any definitive statements or claims about it. Therefore, the answer is true, as Socrates admits his lack of knowledge on the subject.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Thrasymachus accuses Socrates of being simple-minded.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Thrasymachus accuses Socrates of being simple-minded. This means that Thrasymachus believes that Socrates lacks intelligence or understanding. The statement "True" indicates that Thrasymachus does indeed accuse Socrates of being simple-minded.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Thrasymachus argues that the just man always comes out ahead of the unjust man.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Thrasymachus argues that the unjust man always comes out ahead of the just man. He believes that justice is simply the advantage of the stronger, and that those who act unjustly are able to gain power and control over others. Therefore, the correct answer is false, as Thrasymachus believes that the unjust man is the one who comes out ahead.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Socrates posits that justice implies excellence and knowledge while injustice involves ignorance.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Socrates believed that justice is closely linked to excellence and knowledge, while injustice is associated with ignorance. According to him, a just person possesses the qualities of excellence and knowledge, which enable them to act in a fair and righteous manner. On the other hand, an unjust person lacks these qualities and is therefore ignorant, leading them to act unjustly. This aligns with Socrates' philosophy that true justice can only be achieved through wisdom and understanding. Therefore, the answer is true.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Injustice renders an individual incapable of action because of internal conlict and division of purpose.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Injustice can create internal conflict and division of purpose within an individual, which ultimately renders them incapable of taking action. When faced with injustice, a person may struggle to reconcile their values and beliefs with the unfairness they are experiencing. This internal conflict can paralyze them and prevent them from taking any meaningful action to address the injustice. Therefore, it is true that injustice can render an individual incapable of action due to internal conflict and division of purpose.Rate this question:
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- 26.
If something is deprived of its own "particular excellence," it will perform its function well.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
This statement contradicts itself. If something is deprived of its own "particular excellence," it means that it is lacking its unique or exceptional qualities. Therefore, it is unlikely to perform its function well without these qualities. Hence, the statement is false.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Glaucon states that there are three categories of good.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Glaucon's statement about three categories of good is true. In Plato's dialogue "The Republic," Glaucon presents the idea that there are three types of goods: goods that are desired for their own sake (intrinsic goods), goods that are desired for their consequences (instrumental goods), and goods that are desired for their own sake and their consequences (mixed goods). This categorization helps in understanding different motivations behind human actions and desires.Rate this question:
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- 28.
According to Glaucon, men practice justive because it is hard-wired in their minds.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Glaucon does not argue that men practice justice because it is hard-wired in their minds. In fact, Glaucon presents the idea that people only practice justice because they fear the consequences of being unjust and believe that it is better to be just. He suggests that if people had the power to act unjustly without facing any consequences, they would do so. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Glaucon believes that hte most accomplished form of injustice is to seem just when you are not.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Glaucon believes that the most accomplished form of injustice is to appear just when you are not. This implies that being able to deceive others into thinking you are just, while secretly engaging in unjust actions, is the highest level of injustice. Glaucon's perspective suggests that true injustice lies in the ability to manipulate perception and deceive others, rather than simply committing unjust acts openly.Rate this question:
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