Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie. 123
For this assignment we will discuss Plato’s Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie, what does it illustrate about justice in the city and in the individual? On the other hand we will explore whether Plato’s suggestions could be implemented today.
Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie.
Goal: To write a short (1200 words or more, double spaced, standard font) philosophy paper on a topic of your choice in consultation with the instructor. You will be graded on clarity of thought and the ability to illustrate an understanding of the topics and themes of one (or some) of the major authors we’ve covered in class. One element of this understanding will be the appropriate use of textual support. Possible topics: Again, please do not feel limited to these topics. You are encouraged to write on what interests you that is related to the general themes of philosophy and ethics.
Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie.
Discuss Plato’s Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie. What does it illustrate about justice in the city and in the individual? Could Plato’s suggestions be implemented today? Why or why not? Discuss the allegory of the cave at the beginning of Book VII. Does the allegory allow us to understand some phenomenon better than some alternative explanation? If so, in what ways? Or for what reasons? How can the cave illustrate the role of the philosopher? Discuss Aristotle’s views on virtue and how they relate to the good life. Be sure to give some specific examples. What is the value of Aristotle’s notion of virtue today?
Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie.
Contrast Plato’s views about Ethics and Philosophy with those of Aristotle, focusing on the theme of vulnerability. Which approach do you find more plausible and why? Watch the video about Education in Finland and think about the video we watched earlier about the United States and their rankings in the world in terms of education. Would the Finnish model work here? Why or why not? How does this relate to Plato? Contrast the ideas and archetypes of the role models/heroes presented thus far. How does the Classical Greek hero differ from Plato’s hero? Why is this significant?
Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie.
Be specific in your approach by using examples where appropriate. Discuss The Divided Line metaphor found at the end of Book VI. What does this say about Plato’s approach to Epistemology? Do you agree with Plato’s approach? Why or why not? Be sure to include a discussion of the Forms and how one grasps them. Discuss and critically evaluate Descartes’ proof that God must exist. That is; fully explain the responses and replies to this ‘proof’. Is the critic successful in his efforts to refute Descartes? Why or why not? Discuss and evaluate the major differences between Hobbes and Rousseau.
Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie.
Try to be specific when possible. Rousseau also writes, “…it was necessary to show himself to be something other than what he in fact was. Being something and appearing to be something became two completely different things…” How does this observation relate to what society in essence “trains” us to become? Give examples where appropriate. Ok, I couldn’t resist. Discuss the “dumbassification” of America and what contributes to this ever increasing problem. Relate your response to the contemporary hero/role model concept in some way.
Discuss the theme of alienation and self-identity as it relates to the definition of manhood in the Hip Hop documentary film we watched in class.
Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie.
OR Discuss the theme of becoming desensitized to violence and sexism as it relates to the portrayal of women in the film. Does music reflect on a culture or contribute to the culture? Do role models or people of power or influence have any moral obligation to those they influence? Discuss at least one person of influence that has “done the right thing” in your mind that as a result, has perhaps had a damaging effect on their image or persona in some circles. What did this person do, and why do you think they “did the right thing”?
(This topic can be modified in a variety of ways to fit your interests while still maintaining a discussion of the central question) Is Affirmative Action justified?
Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie.
Discuss the arguments for and/or against affirmative action policies? Which approach do you think is more reasonable and why? Discuss Wollstonecraft’s thoughts on the education of women and the impact that can have on relationships. What does she envision the future to be like? Are we there yet? If not, why not? Discuss Nietzsche’s critique of Plato and Christianity, emphasizing his thoughts on how the value systems hold us back. What is the function and purpose of a State? What do the ancients (Plato/Aristotle) think the state should do?
Myth of the Metals or Noble Lie.
How is this similar or different to considerations of the early moderns (Hobbes/Locke)? Discuss the impact of role models as it relates to music (or some other related field) What messages do current mainstream acts promote and detail how this is problematic? Develop a topic of your own, with approval and write an argumentative essay that explores and defends some moral issue within that topic. https://youtu.be/EXqvD_PgSww
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