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University of California, Irvine SOC SCI H1ETGL, First Midterm Study Guide

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Midterm Study Guide – Social Science Honors Core 2019, The Good Life Below are eight questions. Think about how you would answer them in short essay format. We’ll select four of these for the midterm exam. 1) Of the philosophers we have read so far, whose views do you find most compelling? Explain what that philosopher’s views are and why you like them. Epitectus’ believes that one should exercise what is in their control and that aversions and desires should only be formed for things within a person’s control to avoid disappointment. The Enchiridion or Handbook of Epictetus is a short manual of ethical advice and the common themes throughout this handbook include: an identification of things within your control and not in your control, and concern with things only within your control, considering all aspects and possible outcomes of situations and accepting them to prevent disappointment, emotions and ideas of objects are all dependent on the individual forming them or possessing them, not being bothered by people speaking badly of you because it is up to your interpretation to be upset by it or to consider it bad, don’t place particular importance on particular people or things so you will not be sad should something happen to that thing or person, accept all things and don’t wish for things or have an aversion for things unless it is completely attainable and in your control to prevent disappointment. As someone who suffers from anxiety disorder, I obsess over things that are not in my control. 2) Both Aristotle and Socrates believe that virtue plays a central role in living a good life and finding happiness. Do they have the same understanding of virtue? Why or why not? Their understanding of virtue is similar in that virtue is what would determine a life being a good or bad one, but their perception of the purpose virtue serves the individual is different. Aristotle claims our ultimate goal is to fulfill our purpose, so to be happy we need to be virtuous. Socrates, we should act virtuously because it is the right thing to do and if we are always in the right we can never be harmed. 3) What, according to Bentham, is the principle of utility? How is it supposed to be different from the principles of asceticism and sympathy/antipathy? Choose one of the following philosophers and say whether he would endorse the principle of utility: Epicurus, Epictetus, Nietzsche. Defend your answer. The principle of utility is the principle that approves or disapproves of every action according to the tendency it appears to have to increase or lessen the happiness of the person or group whose interest is in question. While Bentham's principle of utility revolves around aiming to increase pleasure and reduce pain, the principle of asceticism involves the opposite, more pain and less pleasure. Sympathy

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