Write a critical essay presenting a point of view and either defend-ing or criticizing it. Write on one (and only one) of the following topics: rad. In Plato’s Apology, Socrates says the following in his defense:
Perhaps someone might say, “Socrates, can you not go away from us and live quietly, without talking?” Now this is the hardest thing to make some of you believe. For if I say that such conduct would be dis-obedience to the god and that therefore I cannot keep quiet, you will think I am jesting and will not believe me; and if again I say that to talk every day about virtue and the other things about which you hear me talking and examining myself and others is the greatest good to man, and that the unexamined life is not worth living, you will believe me still less. This is as I say, gentlemen, but it is not easy to convince you. Besides, I am not accustomed to think that I deserve anything bad (37a 38a).

Question:

Do you agree that “the unexamined life is not worth living?” Why or why not? In the course of your answer, explain what Socrates might have meant by an unexamined life. What kind of examination did Socrates have in mind? Describe the difference between examined and unexamined lives and provide examples of each. In your view, how much self-exami-nation is needed to produce a good life? Justify your answers. In support of your arguments, employ at least two quota-tons from Plato. (Cite all sources, please.)1n1n2. Descartes insists that knowledge requires certainty. In your view, if you lack certainty that something is true, can you claim to have knowledge of it? If so, on what grounds? If knowledge need not (or cannot) be certain, should we redefine the word Vknowledge? If so, propose an alternative. How much, if anything, of what you believe is certain for you? Can this certainty serve as a foundation for further knowledge? Justify your answers. Employ at least three quota-tons from Descartes.

In The Republic Plato recounts the Allegory of the Cave, which illustrates the philosopherl’s painful but rewarding journey from darkness to enlightenment. In the end, however, the philosopher is unwillingly returned to the cave to educate and lead the remaining prisoners. For Plato believes that only the wise should rule, not the ordinary. This highlights Platos general disapproval of democracy as a system of government.

Drawing on our excerpt from The Republic (pages 410-24), (a) outline the arguments Plato makes against democracy. Then (b) either defend or criticize Platas position. (c) Is the philosopher-king likely to be the better ruler, or are the people more likely to prosper with the popular choice? (d) What do you make of Platas contention that societal harmony depends on each citizenl’s doing only that for which she is best suited? Justify your position, and use at least three quotations from Platas Republic.