Plato’s Theory

Choose from the prompts below, answer only ONE of the following prompts.   Prompt 1. Describe Plato’s theory of forms and argue whether or not you agree with Plato’s metaphysical theory. Consider some of these questions in thinking. Then, consider a potential counterpoint to one of your reasons. Think of the Platonic Form of some thing in your environment right. If Forms are not real, as Plato believes, how can we explain the fact that we recognize that object as a certain kind and as similar/different to other objects in x, y, z ways? Conversely, is that object defined by one Form or many? If an object changes (say from a block of marble to a statue), does it change Forms as well? Can an object have conflicting Forms?   Prompt 2. Read the excerpt on the ship of Theseus by E.J. Lowe (see next page). Argue whether the ship of Thesues is the same as the renovated ship, the reconstructed ship, or neither, and why. Give reasons, considering how this relates to personal identity and change over time. Is the ship case like cases with people? Is it different? Why? (Consider a potential counterpoint to your reasoning.)   Prompt 3. Argue whether selfhood is natural or social. That is to say, argue whether who you are (your self) is a product of nature (biology, identity, etc.) or society (culture, politics, language). Give reasons for your claim and consider a specific example or two. Finally, consider a potential counterpoint to your reasoning.