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doesn't make much sense that seems to indicate you're not ready for an exam over his theory.

Ben: But, I feel like I understand this stuff when I read over the lectures.

Jerry: Feeling like you understand is a lot different than really understanding.

Ben: It seems like theres so much to remember. I try to memorize things about each philosopher but I can't remember them.

Jerry: It seems to me that you can't remember because you don't understand.

Ben: I do understand some of it.

Jerry: Alright, well what about the other philosophers you mentioned. What was Aristotle's philosophy about?

Ben: Oh, that's easy he had this theory called hylomorphic composition which said no matter without form and no form without matter.

Jerry: That sounds catchy but I don't know what you mean.

Ben: Isn't it obvious?

Jerry: No, is this the same form that you were describing from Plato?

Ben: No, Aristotle's idea of form is different; it's connected to matter.

Jerry: OK, how? How is Aristotle's idea different? How is it connected to matter?

Ben: I don't know it just is. Plus Aristotle said everything had four causes.

Jerry: Alright, what were they?

Ben: Formal, material, efficient, final. Formal explains what an object is, material, what it's made of, efficient explains how it was created, and final explains what its purpose is.

Jerry: How do they explain these things? What are the causes exactly? How do they work?

Ben: More questions! Where does it end?

Jerry: It seems like it would end when you sufficiently explain all of this to me.

Ben: Maybe. It all seems so abstract and convoluted. I thought Aristotle made more sense than Plato but I don't know...

Jerry: But, if you understood the material don't you think it would make sense?

Ben: I do understand it. I just can't explain it to you.

Jerry: I think if you really understood it you would be able to explain it to me. That's probably why your instructor suggested this technique for studying.

Ben: Yeah, I guess.

Jerry: Sounds like to me you need to do some more studying!

Ben: Does that mean we have to skip dinner?

Jerry: No, but I think you need to do some more studying before that exam!

Ben: But, I've read everything already. Im not sure what else to do now.

Jerry: What else did your instructor suggest?

Ben: Ask questions about what we're confused about.

Jerry: When we began talking you didn't think you were confused about anything. Now, what do you think?

Ben: Well, I can't seem to explain Plato or Aristotle to you so I guess I am confused. But, at least I know what to ask about now!

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