Here is a list of possible exam questions for H573/1 Plato section of the specification, using the guidance in the specification and the trigger words (command words like ‘discuss’) which OCR has indicated will appear. If you prepare these questions thoroughly it is highly likely the exam questions will be very similar to one of these. If you’re struggling to master a philosophical way of writing essays, my book How to Write Philosophical Essays (available in the peped shop) explains how to do this. If you need a tutor for this course, please email me peterbaron@peped.org. PB

Plato – the Cave/Forms

1. Critically compare Plato’s Form of the Good with Aristotle’s Prime Mover.
2. “In their attempts to make sense of reality, Plato relies too much on rationalism and Aristotle relies too much on empirical observation”. Discuss
3. Assess the claim that Plato does not value experience enough.
4. ‘Plato’s Theory of Forms explains how we know what we know.’ Discuss

Aristotle – Empiricism

5. ‘Aristotle successfully proves the existence of the Prime Mover.’ Discuss.
6. Assess Aristotle’s argument for the Four Causes.
7. “Aristotle’s reliance on empiricism has many weaknesses”. Discuss
8. Evaluate whether Plato’s rationalism is superior to Aristotle’s empiricism in making sense of reality.