- Discuss the role of “the indefinite” or “boundless” in Anaximander’s philosophical system. What thinkers seem to have borrowed a similar device? Describe the similarities as best you can.
- Describe as completely as you can Aristotle’s super-lunary and sublunary spheres. What is the significance of this boundary? (In other words, what role or function does it serve?)
- What does it mean to say that the universe (or cosmos ) is a ‘plenum’? Which philosophers from Thales to Aristotle held the ‘plenum view’ of the cosmos? Which philosophers disagreed? (NB: there might be some thinkers in the mix for whom we do not know their position on the nature of the cosmos).
- In your opinion is the biggest difference between Plato and Aristotle? What, in your opinion, is the biggest commonality between them? (This might require two longer than average paragraphs,Longer Answer Essays: Below are two question pairs. Answer one question in each pair (for a total of 2 questions answered) each worth 100 points. Answer questions as completely as you can. (The general expectation is that long answer essays can be accomplished in 5-7 complete paragraphs. Again, your results may vary.)
First Pair - As succinctly as you can, describe Parmenides’ overall position on the nature of reality. Then show how this position constitutes a disagreement with that of Thales, Anaximander, Heraclitus and Democritus.
OR - Describe the theories of change offered by each of the following philosophers. For each, explain what, if anything, changes and why (or how). Parmenides, Democritus, Plato, Aristotle.
Second Pair
- As thoroughly as you can, contrast the accounts of Plato and Aristotle on the nature and existence of the cosmos, being sure to capture differences in how each uses his account to ‘locate’ change.
OR - Of the several problems generated by the move Copernicus makes to switch the Earth and the sun, which in your view is the most serious?
Sample Solution