2.  Explain how the Allegory of the Cave expresses Plato’s dualistic view of reality.  Which interpretation do you feel is the most accurate, least accurate?  Why? (Class discussion:  Do we live in the cave?  How can we be sure about the reality of what we perceive?).

L: 31-42 
3.  What is the purpose of “The Divided Line” analogy?  Explain what Plato is trying to say with this diagram. (Class Discussion:  Are there gradations to truth?  Does truth actually exist?) 

4. Explain the theory of forms in your own words.  What is the importance of this to Plato?  (Class Discussion:  How do we define truth?  Are there different levels?) 

L: 43-53 
5.  Is Plato right in being opposed to ethical relativism?  Support or rebut his position.  (Class Discussion:  Is there really such a thing as right and wrong?) 
 

L: 54-65 
7. What is the relationship Plato makes between the well being of a persons’ soul and the well being of the state?  Is this justified? (Class Discussion: Is a good life only possible in a good state?  What makes a good state?) 

8. What are Plato’s objections to democracy?  Who does he say should rule the state?  Why? (Class Discussion:  Why do we not limit voting and participation in government only to people with high IQ’s?  What are the pluses and minuses?) 

9.  What is Plato’s justification for the type of state he has designed?  What are your commendations and objections to Plato’s plan.  Class Discussion:  What are the qualities of the ideal state?)