Week 4 Writing Prompts
4a. It is something of a truism that we inherited our basic notions of political freedom and democracy from the ancient Greeks. What did the Greeks seem to mean by "freedom?" What differences do you see between their meaning and ours?
4b. Comment on the problems of social stability and change in times of crisis, using Plato's works as your points of reference. How much social criticism or change can a society in crisis tolerate? Is there a limit? When does criticism (direct or indirect) of accepted beliefs and practices become unacceptably corrosive for a society? What was the greatest threat Socrates and his "mission" posed to Athens and its way of life? Or, if he did not pose a threat, why was he perceived to be a threat?
4c. The selections on the status of women provide a range of comments on women and their place in society. Using the primary sources you have seen, evaluate the position of women in classical Greek society. Remember, you must attempt to reconcile opposing views when you see them.
4d. In what ways do the views expressed by Megabyzus correspond to modern American attitudes? What are the chief differences between the Greeks and the Persians as seen by the Herodotus?
Readings for 9/23The readings on Greek women provide a range of opinions on women. Be prepared to describe the nature of the various views. What patterns do you detect? What kinds of behaviors are censored? Which are praised? Are all women viewed the same, or are there different kinds or types of women?
Herodotus provides an interesting description of the various types of governments available. What were Darius's arguments in favor of monarchy? What were the arguments in favor of oligarchy? Democracy?
Readings for 9/25How do the "atomist" readings represent a significantly different attitude, or worldview, than that of earlier Greeks, or peoples of the Near East? What is the connection between these natural philosophers and Socrates?
How would you describe Socrates's objectives and methods? What kinds of questions interested Socrates? What were the charges against him in the Apology? What was his defence? In what ways was Socrates very different from the "average" Greek? In what ways was he very much a man of his time and place? Was Socrates guilty? Why or why not?
Posted by mdsec
at 3:06 PM PDT
Updated: Friday, 19 September 2003 3:27 PM PDT