Study Questions for Midterm Exam Socrates insists that in order to be a true philosopher or seeker after wisdom, one must have an upright character. List and briefly describe four moral (or affective) prerequisites that Socrates associates with the true philosopher. Lay out the main elements of Socrates's argument in the Phaedo for the startling claim that a true philosopher not only will not fear death but will even welcome it. St. Thomas claims that it is not pointless for God to reveal to us even those truths about Himself that we could in principle discover by human reason alone without the aid of divine revelation. Explain his argument for this claim. St. Thomas believes that it is not foolish for human beings to give firm assent to the mysteries of the Christian faith. Explain why someone might be tempted to claim that giving such assent is foolish, and outline St. Thomas's response. Explain briefly the structure of St. Thomas's natural theology, identifying its three main parts and making clear what is meant to be accomplished in each of those three parts. List the goods that St. Thomas calls "external goods" and explain why he believes that full human happiness cannot consist in the possession of such goods. List some of the goods that St. Thomas calls "internal goods" and explain why he believes that full human happiness cannot consist in the possession of such goods, either singly or in combination with one another. In the Discourse on Method Descartes expresses great dissatisfaction with the way in which his predecessors have carried out the search for wisdom. Explain the source of his dissatisfaction. How does he intend to put the search for wisdom--and human knowledge in general--on a sound philosophical footing? In particular, explain why Descartes likens his project to (i) the construction of an axiomatic mathematical system (e.g., geometry) and (ii) the construction of a building. In Part IV of the Discourse on Method Descartes describes his attempt to rebuild philosophy in a way that will satisfy the doubts of even the most stubborn skeptic. Describe briefly the main steps involved in this attempt.