PLS1501 EXAM PACK

ECTION A [50 marks] The question in this section is compulsory. 1. Write an essay {maximum 1000 words} in which in light of your studies this semester, provide a detailed answer to the following interrelated questions (which must form the main sections of your essay). (i) What is Western philosophy? (ii) What value, if any, can it in your opinion contribute to South African society? [in answering this question, you are encouraged to make recourse to etymology, branches, history and historical figures in philosophy] SECTION B [50 marks] Choose any 2 questions in this section. 2. Please discuss Aristotle’s doctrine of the four causes applying it to the an illustrated visualisation of the microscopic coronavirus as seen in fig 1 . hereunder. [In your answer you must first set out Aristotle’s doctrine of the four causes and use Fig 1 as your example/ illustration].{maximum 500 words} [25 marks] Figure 1 1 1. Discuss in detail Plato’s allegory of the cave and its philosophical (epistemological and political) significance {maximum 500 words} [25 marks] 2. Critically discuss Aquinas’ 5 proofs for the existence of God {maximum 500 words} [25marks] 3. Discuss St Augustine’s Epistemology with a special reference to the role of God within it. {maximum 500 words} [25 marks] TOTAL [100 MARKS] 1 October/November 2020 PLS1501 EXAM PACK SECTION A [50 marks] The question in this section is compulsory. 1. Write an essay {maximum 1000 words} in which in light of your studies this semester, provide a detailed answer to the following interrelated questions (which must form the main sections of your essay). (i) What is Western philosophy? (ii) What value, if any, can it in your opinion contribute to South African society? [in answering this question, you are encouraged to discuss etymology(of ‘philosophy’), branches, history and historical figures in philosophy] Introduction Philosophy is defined as the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, its etymology comes from the Greek word ‘philosophia’. Philo meaning ‘love of’ and Sophia meaning ‘knowledge’. Western philosophy refers specifically to the philosophic pursuits of the western world that emerged out Greece. The earliest philosophical movement being the Presocratics in 624 BC. What distinguishes philosophy from other fields of study is its subject matter and methodology. Western philosophy can be broken down into three main branches Metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. The study of existence is often referred to as "metaphysics" we examine what nature of ‘stuff’ is. While the study of knowledge is called "epistemology". Epistemology examines belief, opinion and objective knowledge. What do we know and how do we know it. The study of values can be divided into two main branches: morality ("ethics") and beauty ("aesthetics"). The Aims Of Philosophy 1. What is knowledge? This refers to the following kinds of issues and questions: How can we know anything, Is there absolutes, universal truths. it can help people understand whether their closely-held derive from objective or subjective information. In a counry with such a history of division, “unlearning” or atleast questioning what we think we is essential. 2. How should we conduct ourselves? What exactly is nature of the human condition. What is morality and what constitutes "the good." When we examine the history of South Africa we must What is a valued life and valued way of being? 3. How should we govern ourselves? This merges questions one and two into a practical and social angle. That is, given our state of knowledge and given our values for what constitutes the good, what should our social and political organizations look like? Philosophy today What can western philosophy contribute to a modern South African society. Rationality, Humanism, Unfortunately, the golden age of philosophy may be over and recently academia has instead shifted into the age of empirical science (what do the data say?) and shallow economic utilitarianism There is much emerging evidence that our shallow, unreflective systems of justification are threatening our very existence. As such, I hope there is a quick and profound return to reflecting on these questions with depth and sophistication. Conclusion Plato said that thinking is "the mind in conversation with itself," and core modes of selfinterrogation Roman thinkers and philosophers grappled with many of the same political and social issues we find ourselves facing today. The Classical period not only lay the foundations of modern democracy it also offers answers in an ever changing political world