1. We’ve suggested in class that there is something very basic, something very human, about moral life. In your own words, explain why this is so, and what you think it tells us about what it means to be human and the nature of the human condition.
2. When Socrates asks Euthyphro, “Is the pious, pious because it is loved by the gods, or do the gods love it because it is pious?” what exactly is he asking Euthyphro? Explain as fully as you can what the question means, and why Euthyphro can answer it only in one way. What do you think about the relationship between morality and authority? Be specific.
3. As we discussed in class, Socrates had a very specific question in mind when he cross-examined Meletus at his trial: He was asking the question, “How can democracy be a good form of government, if ‘democracy’ means ‘rule by the people’ and the people are ignorant and don’t know what they are doing?” Explain Socrates’ question to the best of your ability. How is it relevant to us today? How would you go about answering Socrates’ question? Do you think the proper answer to the question is ultimately supportive of democracy or opposed to democracy? Why?
4. In conversation with Crito, Socrates gets him to agree that it is never morally righteous to harm anyone, even in situations of self-defense. Socrates is aware that most people will not agree with this; what is his argument for showing why he thinks that this is the right view? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Do you agree that it is better to suffer injury than to cause it to another?
5. Do you think Glaucon is right that justice is a compromise between the worst (being a victim of injustice) and the best (being able to do whatever you wish and get away with it)? Or is Socrates right that justice is the best and a supreme virtue? How does the story of the Ring of Gyges illustrate Glaucon’sperspective, and how should we respond to the story? What would you do if you had the power to be invisible?