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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the end of Euthyphro, what does Socrates' "god" tell him?

2. Where does Euthyphro take place?

3. Which is the first of three Socratic dialogues written by Plato?

4. What is the basic impression of Socrates' overall defense strategy?

5. According to Euthyphro, what might Socrates say about his own level of knowledge?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Socrates relate two aspects of his way of life to a defense of the charges against him?

2. What distinction does Socrates make between his own speaking style, and that of his accusers?

3. What does Socrates believe to be the central question of life, as revealed in Apology? How should one pursue or answer this question?

4. What second definition of piety is offered by Euthyphro in Euthyphro?

5. Why doesn't Socrates wish to be pitied? How does this relate to the fact that he did not bring his family to court with him?

6. What does Socrates believe is the standard of good living to most Athenians? What is his response to this standard?

7. What is Socrates' first response to the charge that he has corrupted Athens' youth?

8. Is Socrates innocent or guilty of the charges against him, in the eyes of Athens and its legal system?

9. According to Socrates, why didn't he ever pursue politics?

10. Why is Socrates charged with corrupting the youth? Why do the youth follow his philosophy and ideas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) What is Socrates' view on wisdom? What is the nature of knowledge? Is there such a thing as objective truth?

2) To what degree can a man attain knowledge? How should a wise man behave? What can one do to seek knowledge?

3) How does Socrates'relate a visit to the oracle at Delphi to his overall perspective on knowledge?

Essay Topic 2

In Apology, Socrates makes it a point to discuss oratorical skills.

1) How does Socrates characterize his own oratorical skills? How does he characterize the oratorical skills of his accusers?

2) Why is Socrates' speech style both a boon and a hindrance, according to him?

3) How does Socrates relate his speech style to a large comment on the philosopher's place in society? Why does a philosopher's speech create antagonism within a society?

Essay Topic 3

Socrates offers a series of defenses in the Apology to answer the charges against him.

1) How does Socrates answer the charge that he has corrupted the youth of Athens?

2) How does Socrates use his political ambition (or lack thereof) in his trial defense?

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