1. Describe the basic difference in outlook between Plato and Aristotle.  (Class Question:  Which point of view do you feel is the most valid? Why?)

2. Explain Aristotle’s primary objections to Plato’s theory of forms.  Describe Aristotle’s view of the nature of things.  (Class question:  What is your view of the nature of things?  What supports your view?)

3.  What are the arguments Aristotle uses to justify his concept of God?  (Class Question:  How much validity does his concept have?  Justify your view.)

HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN PHILOSOPHY- Read the handout.  Sophie- 127-138
1.  Describe the mood of Hellenistic times and explain how and why philosophy changed to accommodate that mood.  (Class question:  Can the mood of a time period affect people’s beliefs?  Explain.)

2.  Which of the three major Hellenistic philosophies appeals to you most?  Explain why it does and the others do not. (Class question:  Pick the one you agree with least, select your major disagreements and justify your position.)

1. What elements of Neo-platonism would be most attractive to the early Christian church?  (Class Question:  How attractive would people today find Neo-platonism?)

2.  (from Lavine) How did the Christian world change the role of philosophy from ancient to medieval times?  What was now of greatest importance in life?
(Class question:  What is/should be of greatest importance in life?)
 

4. Describe how Thomas Aquinas saw the relationship between the natural world and the divine world.  What reasoning did he use to justify pagan ideas to the church?
(Class question:  What is the relationship between the “divine” world and the natural world?)