Revision Questions for Ancient Greek Influences on Philosophy of Religion
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Write a brief biography for Plato outlining his key ideas.
Explain the analogy of the cave in one paragraph
Explain why Plato says that the world we live in is not the real world.
What would you say to challenge the idea that the recognition of the Form
proves that we have an eternal soul.
5. Explain the difference between the ‘Forms’ and ‘Particulars’
6. Explain the relationship between the Form of the Good and the other Forms.
7. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Plato’s forms
8. Write a brief biography for Aristotle outlining his key ideas
9. Explain Aristotle’s idea of potentiality and actuality using an example.
10. Outline Aristotle’s four causes using an example.
11. ‘Aristotle’s idea of the four causes is right’. Do you agree?
12. In one paragraph, outline Aristotle’s idea of the Prime Mover.
13. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Aristotle’s idea of the Prime Mover.
14. The Prime Mover is just another word for the Christian God. Discuss
15. Check your understanding
Red
Amber
Green
Understand what Plato means in his analogy of the cave and be
able to explain his symbolism: i.e. prisoners, shadows, the cave
itself, sun, journey and return to the prisoners
Assess the points he is making, do they make sense?
Know what Plato means by the idea of ‘Forms’ or ‘Ideals’
Understand how these concepts relate to the particulars
Understand the Form of the Good
Be able to discuss whether Plato’s idea on the Forms is appealing
Show knowledge and understanding of Aristotle’s 4 Causes
Be able to explain his concept of the Prime Mover
Assess the ideas of Aristotle; do you think they work
Extension: sample exam question:
Plan what you would write in this essay:
(a) Explain the concept of Ideals in Plato’s writings. [25]
(b) ‘Ideals are an illusion; we can only experience what is real.’ Discuss. [10]