Reaction Paper 1 Assignment

1.Write a 1-page reaction paper to the following question:

Plato or Aristotle: Whose philosophy makes the most sense? Feel free to reference from your book and/or the slides. Both Plato and Aristotle knew each other, and both came up with radically different philosophies to explain the world. Convince me which one you agree with and why.

Rubric: 1 page minimum (you may write more if you want), double-spaced, 12 inch font.

Note: You must be detailed in why you are choosing one philosopher over another. Be sure to mention at least ONE detail about the other philosopher’s philosophy that you don’t agree with, so I know that you at least have a basic understanding of both positions.

2.For this discussion assignment, reflect on this week’s chapters, Power Point Slides and YouTube videos, and create a discussion paper on the following prompt and question:

Prompt:

The Golden Age of Athens was a period of unprecedented economic prosperity, cultural flourishing, and political influence. Although this period only lasted roughly 50-75 years – and Ancient Greece would only diminish as a global power from that point on – the significant impact the Golden Age of Athens made historically is immeasurable.

Discussion Question:

What achievements from the Golden Age of Athens do you feel made the most significant historical impact? Architecture, Government, and Philosophy are all possible areas to discuss, but you may also address other areas you find.

Directions for this Discussion paper:

Create at least one paragraph answering the question above and providing at least three areas of achievement (either the three examples listed or by adding another you find).

Each of the three areas you write about should be detailed with examples and comprised of at least five sentences (10 Points).

For Week 3 please do the following:

1) Read chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, which focus on “Socrates”, “Athens”, “Plato”, The Major’s Cabin”, “Aristotle” and “Hellenism”

2) Review the Week 3 Power Point slides

3) Review the “Back in Time to Athens”, “Plato’s Myth of the Cave,” and “Out of the Shadows” videos

4) Complete the Reaction Paper 1 Assignment

VIDEOS

Back in Time to Athens

This video clip begins with Sophie and her friend observing birds flying, and they have a discussion over “consciousness” and “instinct”. Sophie believes that animals operate on instinct, and are not conscious the way humans are. Her friend is not so sure. They also begin to have a discussion about how humans will more resemble computers some day…this was their conversation in the first chapter of the book.

The video repeats the part where Sophie finds the letter asking “Who are you?”, then it shows her watching the video, brought by the large dog, of Athens, and meeting the mysterious teacher, Alberto.

This video introduces you to ancient Athens, and Socrates and Plato, and is a complement to the chapters on these two individuals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGiv-pM1cq0 (Links to an external site.)

Plato’s Myth of the Cave

In this video clip, Alberto describes to Sophie’s Plato’s Myth of the Cave. It’s also called the Allegory of the Cave. Please watch:

Out of the Shadows

In this video clip, Sophie’s mother grows more concerned about Sophie’s new behavior. Sophie begins to think “out of the shadows” more and more. Please watch: