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Why Is Philosophy Important?

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Unit 4a discussion: 1. Does philosophy need dialogue? I personally do not think that philosophy necessarily requires dialogue but I believe that dialogue is very important to philosophy. Dialogue allows for philosophical questions and issues to be resolved in a more creative way. It allows one to look at the setting, issues, characters, and plot twists in a conversational, stage like manner. For Socrates and Plato, dialogue played an important role in their work. In the dialogic conversation between the two Philosophers, they were able to naturally bring out the reasons they hold particular positions in a conversation thus helping reader further understand the underlying topic of their work. Another important aspect of dialogue is that it allows the reader to ask questions by one of the characters that the reader might be thinking. Although dialogue may not be required, it plays a large role in philosophy.

Unit 4b discussion:
Defining Normative Concepts
Defining a concept involves two methods: List the things that fall under the concept (extensional definition) or we can give the rule that determines if something falls under a specific concept (intensional definition). But, the real question is, can we really define a normative concept? It seems like these two methods are either two broad or too narrow in their defining qualities. The sufficiency of the defining of normative concepts is the main. There could be many different ways to interpret a definition leading to whether one is actually using the concept correctly as in if it is right or wrong. I think it is difficult to say that one can actually define a normative concept because of the many different ways a concept can be interpreted. Because of this, the issues of using the concept correctly arise, therefore creating detachability in the normative concept.

Unit 4c Discussion: 2. Tacit Acceptance
Tacit acceptance refers to an acceptance of a law that is inferred without being openly expressed. I personally do not believe that tacit acceptance of the law is enough. The legal system during this time and age was very different. But according to tacit consent, a citizen has to give up their whole life as a citizen, or they can be a citizen and agree to completely abide by the system. This consent is basically giving a citizen one option, and I do not believe this is a just way to make laws.

Unit 4d discussion: 3. Are the FORMS real?
According to the slides, the forms are fundamental, perfect ideas that states that for every object there is a perfect idea of that object or quality. I believe that the FORMS could be real in a sense. Everyone has their own idea of an object or quality that is GOOD. But, there is also a perfect quality or idea of every idea. The GOOD is the highest FORM and it makes all other forms possible. Because of this, it makes me believe that the FORMS could be real in a religious sense due to the fact that the GOOD (which could mean GOD) makes other forms possibly and it ensures that the soul knows the forms of the good.

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